SS5: Protasov leads once again

Yuriy Protasov has snatched the lead from Intercontinental Rally Challenge competitor Mikko Pajunen on Prime Yalta Rally following a storming time on the Orlinoje stage (SS5).

Home hero Protasov clocked a time of 18m46.04s on the 28.95-kilometre test in an M-Sport Ford Fiesta RRC. Pajunen lost more than 20s to Protasov on the stage and now drops 14.2s behind the Ukrainian driver in the overall classifications.

Third fastest was Fiesta S2000 driver Yağiz Avci, completing the stage 19.1s behind Pajunen. The Turk remains third on the IRC leaderboard.

Fourth fastest and quickest out of the IRC Production Cup competitors was Valeriy Gorban at the wheel of a Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX. Despite reporting problems with the brakes on his Subaru Impreza R4 STI on the previous stage, Marco Tempestini set the fifth fastest time.

Following Tempestini’s impressive stage time, Yuriy Kochmar’s lead in the IRC Production Cup has been slashed to a mere 0.3s.

Robert Consani continues to lead the IRC 2WD Cup in a Renault Mégane RS.