SS2 : Wilks keeps pressure on Loix

Guy Wilks continues to keep the pressure on ŠKODA Motorsport’s Freddy Loix at the top of the GEKO Ypres Rally leaderboard after going four-tenths of a second slower than the Belgian through the second stage of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge qualifier.

The Peugeot UK driver is 3.9s behind Loix in the overall standings heading to the final stage of the opening loop.

Loix said: “I’m driving more safe but it’s difficult because I am used to pushing hard. It is a shame that Thierry Neuville and Andreas Mikkelsen went out so early because it was important to see the fight between the old star and the inexperienced driver.”

Bryan Bouffier said he lost a few seconds going off into a field towards the end of the stage, which left his Peugeot France 207 Super 2000 with front-right bodywork damage. His moment means he has now slipped to fourth behind Belgian driver Pieter Tsjoen in another 207.

Irishman Robert Barrable has moved up to seventh overall after setting the fifth fastest time in his privateer Fabia.

Bruno Magalhães has retired from fourth position with an engine problem on his Peugeot Sport Portugal 207.

Germany’s Felix Herbold had to stop and change a right-rear puncture on his M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000.

Overall positions after SS2