SS9: Nikara pulls clear of Bogie

Jarkko Nikara has increased his lead in the IRC Production Cup section of RACMSA Rally of Scotland with a stunning time through Sunday’s opening test, the 8.36-kilometre Carron Valley test.

Nikara, from Finland, was more than 10 seconds faster than Scottish ace David Bogie, who like Nikara is competing in a Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX.

Bogie is running first on the road, which is coated in puddles and mud following overnight rain. Nikara, in eighth overall, is now 21.4s clear of Bogie.

ŠKODA Motorsport’s Juho Hänninen has moved ahead of Peugeot France’s Bryan Bouffier into second place after winning the stage in his Fabia Super 2000. Andreas Mikkelsen continues to lead for ŠKODA UK Motorsport.

“It’s a balance between risk and fast, it’s difficult in these conditions but I am happy,” said the Norwegian. “There are some ruts but it’s the third time this stage is running.”

In the battle for fifth, ŠKODA Sweden’s Patrik Sandell has taken 0.3s out of Craig Breen, in an M-Sport Ford Fiesta. Sandell is now 5.1s behind his Irish rival, while both drivers have closed up on fourth-placed Thierry Neuville.

PG Andersson reported a sticking throttle on his PROTON Motorsports’ Satria Neo Super 2000. Alastair Fisher picked up a front-right puncture in his M-Sport Fiesta four kilometres from the stage finish.