SS12: Problems for Bouffier in Scotland

Bryan Bouffier’s bid to close the gap to second-placed Juho Hänninen have suffered a setback when the Peugeot France driver reported a loss of brakes through the repeat of the 9.91-kilometre Loch Chon test.

Meanwhile, Hänninen’s efforts to catch RACMSA Rally of Scotland leader Andreas Mikkelsen appear to be over after Mikkelsen completed the stage 8.4s faster than his fellow ŠKODA Fabia driver to grow his overall advantage to 36.7s.

“We tried to increase the speed a little bit and we’re now in the front again,” said Mikkelsen, who was quickest through the stage.

Craig Breen’s fears that he would lose time - and fourth place - with his cracked exhaust manifold are so far proving unfounded after he managed to increase the gap to the pursuing Jan Kopecký to 16.8s.

“We’re going really steady but we’re miles down on power,” said Breen. “I’m really pleased to take time out of Kopecký.”

Jarkko Nikara lost time with a front-left puncture but the Finn’s healthy lead in the IRC Production Cup remains intact. However, he has dropped from sixth to eighth overall.

Up next is the 25.81-kilometre High Corrie stage.