Moura faces a tough battle to top Group N

Ricardo Moura’s bid to finish as the highest-placed driver of a traditional Group N car for a second consecutive Intercontinental Rally Challenge qualifier hangs in the balance heading into leg two of Rali Vinho Madeira.

Moura, who impressed in fifth overall on his home event, Sata Rallye Açores, last month admitted to having to reduce his pace in order to preserve his car’s tyres.

“Because of the heavy weight of the car, the tyre wear is a lot and it has been difficult to get the right rhythm,” said the Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer driver on Friday evening. “It has not been such a good day for me because of this.”

Moura is 11th overall after stage 14. Rui Pinto tops the class in seventh overall.