SS3: Mikkelsen leads as Basso goes fastest again

Giandomencio Basso has claimed his second stage victory on Rally San Marino to close the gap to new leader Andreas Mikkelsen to 1.8s.

Basso, in an A-Style M-Sport Ford Fiesta RRC, was 3.8s quicker than Mikkelsen through the second run of the 19.33-kilometre Sestino stage. He said: “Everything’s okay, it was clean and there was no dust. I am much happier.”

Mikkelsen, the reigning Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion, reported an upturn in confidence due to the cleaner nature of the tricky gravel roads. However, he said he was now struggling to match the pace of Basso’s turbocharged Fiesta in his normally-aspirated ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000.

“It’s much better now it’s cleaner,” said Mikkelsen. “Basso is doing a very good job and I am losing time in the uphill hairpins against the turbo car. I am not pushing to the maximum because the stages are tricky and I have to be careful. Maybe tomorrow.”

Despite slipping from first to fourth overall, Sepp Wiegand said he could not be disappointed: “For me it’s okay, I was happy with the stage. I am very young and I don’t have so much experience. Maybe the soft tyres were not the best choice for this stage.”

Umberto Scandola said the power loss issue that affected him this morning was still hampering his pace. However, he remains firmly in contention for victory, 3.3s behind Mikkelsen after going third fastest in his Fabia.

Heading to the fourth stage of the event, the top four drivers are covered by 4.4s, which underlines the competitive nature of the IRC.