SS1: Protasov establishes an early lead

Home favourite Yuriy Protasov leads the Intercontinental Rally Challenge crews after Prime Yalta Rally’s opening quick-fire super special stage.

Driving an M-Sport Ford Fiesta RRC, the 28-year old Ukrainian driver was fastest through SSS Yalta, a 2.12-kilometre speed test set in blazing sunshine.

Making his debut in the Ford Fiesta S2000, Finland’s Mikko Pajunen was second quickest, 0.92 seconds behind pace-setter Protasov. Valeriy Gorban was third at the wheel of a Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, also establishing the Ukrainian driver with an early lead in the IRC Production Cup.

Marco Tempestini is second in the IRC Production Cup at the wheel of a Subaru Impreza R4 STI, with Frenchman Robert Consani only 0.16 seconds behind the Romanian driver in a Renault Mégane RS.

Turkey’s Murat Bostanci leads the IRC 2WD Cup category with Romania’s Vlad Cosma in second.