SS17: Double blow for MINI team

There was a double blow for WRC Team MINI Portugal when both of its John Cooper Works WRCs failed to complete stage 17 of Philips Rally Argentina.

Paulo Nobre stopped at the nine-kilometre mark with reports that he’d taken a wheel off his car. Team-mate Armindo Araujo went two kilometres further before broken steering led to his exit.

Factory Ford driver Petter Solberg was fastest for the fourth stage in succession despite fearing his decision to run on used soft compound tyres has cost him a shot at making up more ground in the overall classification.

“I thought it would be more wet,” said the Norwegian. “My tyres are very worn now, it’s going to be hard to push. It doesn’t look like we have the tyres for the Power Stage but I’ll do my best.”

With Solberg struggling, Thierry Neuville has all but cemented his sixth position. The Citroen driver said: “We’re watching the times of Petter but if we make no mistake then it will be impossible for him to catch us.”

Ott Tanak, who is running at the head of the field, reported the stage surface being rougher than on the first run through. “It’s difficult to focus your eyes because it is quite bumpy,” said the Estonian.

Rally leader Sebastien Loeb said the stage was “really horrible” due to the rough conditions. Despite his cautious approach he has edged 5.6s clear of Citroen team-mate Mikko Hirvonen.