SS18: Araujo crashes, Sordo closes up

The final day of Rallye de France Alsace has got off to a dramatic start with Armindo Araujo retiring his MINI John Cooper Works WRC less than half a kilometre into the fog-hit opening test.

The Portuguese ace, Production Car world champion in 2009 and 2010, began day three in seventh position but hit trouble when he clipped a wall on a right-hand corner. He was able to continue but ground to a halt at the 400-metre mark.

Dennis Kuipers strengthened his grip on sixth position with a stunning second fastest time through the mixed-surface test in his FERM Power Tools World Rally Team Fiesta.

Out front Dani Sordo, who continues to carry one spare tyre rather than the two being used by the bulk of the crews for added precaution, has narrowed Sebastien Ogier’s lead to 6.4s despite reporting a lack of vision in the overhanging dust. “There was dust,” said the Spanish MINI ace. “I tried to push but I need to do more.”

Factory Citroen driver Ogier said: “I didn’t want to take big risks on the gravel. I was more careful.”

Monster World Rally Team’s Ken Block has moved ahead of Pierre Campana after setting the joint fourth quickest time in his Fiesta.