S-WRC set for final-day thriller

Just 5.8 seconds separate the top three drivers in the Super 2000 World Rally Championship ahead of the third and final day of Rallye Deutschland - with P-G Andersson leading the charge.

Andersson moved to the front of the S-WRC field in the day’s third stage, elbowing his way past Martin Prokop’s Ford Fiesta. As the event moved into the Baumholder military training area - and the infamous Panzerplatte stage - a Fabia was clearly the car to have, and preferably a Swedish Skoda; the Czech machines were fastest on all-but one stage through the second day.

By the close of play, Prokop had dropped to third place as Patrik Sandell also passed him. The reigning Junior World Rally Champion wasn’t too dejected. “I couldn’t let the gap be any bigger than 10 seconds,” he said. “If that happened, it would have been really tough. But it’s half of that, which is good. Tomorrow we are back to the vineyards, which is good for me - I am generally able to go a bit faster there. It’s going to be a big fight.”

Both the drivers ahead have been on top form through today, although Andersson did admit to a near miss on the final test. “We had a big slide in a corner in Panzerplatte,” he said. “I knew it was slippery from the first time through, but I kept thinking the grip would come, but it didn’t. I just kept my foot down, it was full sideways and a really big slide. We were right on the edge of going off, but we stayed on the road. The back of the car caught a tree and took the spoiler off. It certainly cost us some seconds, but it kept it interesting for tomorrow!”

Sandell will start the final day 4.6 seconds down on his countryman, with the Red Bull driver predicting a nail-biting finish. “I think I can take time,” he said. “If I have the perfect stage, I think I can take around 1.7 seconds per stage. I think we’re going to get to the start of the final stage level on time - and then it’s going to be crazy town! It’s been a fantastic race already. I feel quite confident tonight and P-G has been lucky with the moment in the last stage.”

Eyvind Brynlidsen has remained fourth all day, his Saturday highlight being second quickest in the first run through St Wendeler Land. A brake problem on the first run at Panzerplatte foiled his attempt to close on the podium scrap and the frustration was clear to see for the Norwegian. “I want to beat them,” said the Skoda driver. “But always, it’s two or three seconds. I have never driven this car so fast.”

Behind him, S-WRC championship leader Xevi Pons was a further minute down, with the Spanish Fiesta driver equally mystified by his inability to challenge for the lead.