SS16: Hänninen on the brink of victory

Juho Hänninen will take a lead of almost 30 seconds into the final stage of Sata Rallye Açores as close rival Andreas Mikkelsen conceded that he is settling for second place in the battle for victory on round six of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

Hänninen, from Finland, was 17.6s faster than fellow ŠKODA Fabia driver Mikkelsen through the penultimate stage of the event. He said: “It was a clean run, no problems.”

Mikkelsen, who began the stage 10.9s behind Hänninen, added: “Ten seconds is a lot [to make up] and there is not so much I can do. Second place is still very good though.”

Jan Kopecký, in third overall, reported that the powersteering fault that slowed his Fabia this morning has been repaired. The Czech driver’s only concern was the dense fog that coated parts of the stage.

Bryan Bouffier remains in a solid fourth position at the wheel of his Peugeot France 207 Super 2000. “It was a bit more slippery and more muddy than the first pass,” said Bouffier. “We had some small fog and it was difficult to see one of the corners so I had a small slide.”

ŠKODA Sweden’s Patrik Sandell, in fifth position, was second fastest through the run to stage winner Hänninen.

Overall positions after SS16