SS4: Hänninen edges ahead as rain falls

Juho Hänninen has extended his lead of Sata Rallye Açores by setting the fastest time on Friday’s first stage, the 7.9-kilometre Batalha Golfe test.

The defending Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion set a time of 5m40.2s through the rain-hit stage in his ŠKODA Motorsport Fabia.

“I was pushing too much and losing the line but it’s okay, a good start,” said the Finn.

With the powersteering fault in his ŠKODA UK Motorsport Fabia rectified after his mechanics discovered a blockage in the pump in service on Thursday evening, Andreas Mikkelsen was able to set the second fastest time.

“It’s just about getting the rhythm again and going at a good speed without touching too many things,” said the Norwegian, who has moved into second overall, 6.7s behind Hänninen.

Patrik Sandell had expected to drop significant time running at the head of the field in his ŠKODA Sweden Fabia. However, heavy overnight rain cancelled out some of the time loss by compacting the stage surface and helping braking and traction.

“When I saw it was raining this morning I was really happy,” said Sandell, who was seventh quickest. “It was not so slippery and my tyres were absolutely perfect.”

Despite the rain, Bruno Magalhães, running third on the road, reported the stage surface was still coated in loose gravel as he set the fifth fastest time in his Peugeot Sport Portugal 207. He has slipped to third in the overall standings as a result.

Overall positions after SS4: