SS13: Mikkelsen on a charge in Zlin

Andreas Mikkelsen has set a blistering pace on stage 13 of Barum Czech Rally Zlín to close to within 12.1s of fourth-placed Thierry Neuville.

Mikkelsen, in a ŠKODA UK Motorsport Fabia, was 5.4s faster than the Belgian through the 22.69-kilometre stage. Neuville posted the second-quickest time.

“We were maximum, we need to try,” said Mikkelsen afterwards.

In the battle for victory, Jan Kopecký has extended his lead over Freddy Loix to 1.7s despite fearing he would lose time in the stage.

“I used hard compound tyres and in the first downhill it was not so nice because it was very slippery,” said the Czech. “Also we did not have time to change to the longer ratio gearbox in service because we had to repair the powersteering. Freddy changed to the longer version and I think he’ll have more speed than me.”

Loix, who was actually 0.7s slower than Kopecký, said: “I was on the limit and it’s going okay. I had some hot moments and I can’t do more.”

Intercontinental Rally Challenge title leader Juho Hänninen has all but conceded victory. He remains in third position, 16.6s behind Kopecký. “I’m coming steadily now, Kopecký is going very fast,” said the Finn.

Guy Wilks has retired after his Peugeot UK 207 suffered a snapped alternator belt. His misfortune has promoted Estonian teenager Karl Kruuda into 10th position.