SS9: Hanninen completes day one with stage hat-trick

Finland’s Juho Hänninen has extended his lead of Barum Czech Rally Zlín to 11.4s after winning Saturday’s final stage in his ŠKODA Motorsport Fabia Super 2000.

Hänninen was 8.0s ahead of the chasing pack following another strong performance by the 2010 IRC champion, who has yet to win the Czech round. “We had a good tyre now with no cut, we are still here but it’s a long way to go,” he said.

While Hänninen celebrated another stage best, there was frustration for ŠKODA UK Motorsport’s current IRC title-holder Andreas Mikkelsen, who reported a lack of confidence. “It’s such a difficult stage and I don’t have any confidence in my pacenotes, I lose a lot of time. It’s the last slippery part where I don’t go fast enough. Maybe I need to push harder but then there’s a big risk to go off.”

By completing the stage, Jan Kopecký has secured his second Czech championship title. However, he now trails team-mate Hänninen by more than 10s starting the final day as he chases his third victory in Zlín.

Sepp Wiegand opted for a cautious approach after his crash on the first run through the 19.18-kilometre Tesák test, completing the stage more than one minute off the pace, while Patrik Flodin had to stop to change a puncture, which he picked up approximately halfway through the run. “It was a shame because it was really fun to drive,” said Flodin. “I’d made some adjustment to the suspension and it was really nice. It was halfway through when we got the puncture so we decided to stop.”

Tomáš Kostka rounded out a strong day with the third fastest time in his privateer Fabia. The leader after Friday night’s opening stage is fourth overall, 18.7s behind Mikkelsen. “For us it’s not too bad, I’m really satisfied today because I did not expect to be here,” said the Czech circuit racing ace. “We did not make any mistake and tomorrow I try to keep this position.”

Robert Barrable reported backing off due to the treacherous nature of the stage caused by a lack of grip and reduced visibility in the tree-lined sections. He was 55.2s behind Hänninen but continues to occupy sixth overall.

A 45-minute service halt in Otrokovice awaits the crews. Sunday’s first stage, Halenkovice, goes live at 08:57hrs local time.