Saturday PWRC wrap: Fuchs on course

Nicolas Fuchs is five stages away from claiming his maiden victory in the Production Car World Rally Championship following another tough day of competition on the Acropolis Rally in Greece.

Symtech Racing’s new signing, in a Subaru Impreza, is 4m36.8s clear of Valeriy Gorban heading into Sunday’s closing quintet of stages following another impressive showing alongside Argentine co-driver Fernando Mussano.

“We’ve had another good day,” said Peruvian Fuchs, who admitted to going off the road twice during the rain-affected stages this afternoon. “It’s not been easy because the conditions have been very difficult but I am here, the car is good and we have a good lead. Tomorrow is still a long day but I am happy.”

Gorban had been firmly in the fight for victory only for a double damper failure on his Mentos Ascania Racing Mitsubishi Lancer to drop him out of contention on Friday afternoon. His recovery on day two has moved him ahead of Subhan Aksa in the battle for second place after the Indonesian suffered several overshoots in his Mitsubishi.

Benito Guerra restarted under Rally 2 rules following his early exit on Friday with suspension failure on his Ralliart Italy-run Lancer. He is fifth overnight behind fellow Mexican Ricardo Trivino, whose Symtech-prepared Impreza was hobbled by a turbo pressure problem on Saturday morning.

Louise Cook and Lorenzo Bertelli both failed to complete Saturday’s route but are set to return to the action on Sunday.