SS7: Neuville drops back in Scotland

Thierry Neuville has hit trouble on RACMSA Rally of Scotland after spinning twice on the 17.68-kilometre Errochty stage, which was shown live on Eurosport.

Neuville, in a Team Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg 207 Super 2000, suffered two spins during the rain-hit test. To compound his agony, his reverse gear broke during the second rotation and he lost considerable time as a result, dropping from second to fourth in the overall classification.

“I was not concentrated enough,” said Neuville, who is now 1m25.8s behind overall leader and stage winner Andreas Mikkelsen. “I broke the rear gear and it was difficult to come back onto the road.”

Neuville’s delay has promoted Bryan Bouffier into second place in his Peugeot France 207. However, defending Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion Juho Hänninen is one second behind in his ŠKODA Motorsport Fabia.

“For sure he’s too close,” said Bouffier. “I try to fight with him but he is a very fast driver. I am happy with my car, I have good grip and I am trying my best.”

Hänninen said changes in service had transformed the handling of his Fabia. “It’s much better now,” the Finn confirmed.

Craig Breen continues to impress in fifth overall in his M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000. Patrik Sandell is sixth for ŠKODA Sweden.