SS14: Hänninen leads

Juho Hänninen has retaken the lead of Sata Rallye Açores after beating Andreas Mikkelsen with a sensational time through stage 14 of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge qualifier. But there was disappointment for Portuguese star Bruno Magalhães who has retired due to a transmission failure.

Despite frantic attempts to repair the fault by converting his Peugeot 207 Super 2000 to two-wheel drive only, Magalhães (pictured) failed to start the stage as a result of the transmission failure he suffered on the previous run. A spokesperson for Peugeot Sport Portugal confirmed he is out of the event.

Out front, Hänninen’s overall lead to Mikkelsen stands at 11.2s after he went 13.9s faster than his fellow ŠKODA Fabia driver through the 21.94-kilometre Tronqueira stage.

“You need to take a lot of risk to go quickly in that stage, we were cautious and it looks difficult to win now,” said a dejected Mikkelsen at the end of the stage.

Hänninen said: “It was tricky but I liked the middle part. I am sure Andreas will push on the next stage after service.”

Crews will now tackle the 2.0-kilometre Grupo Marques superspecial before heading to service in Ponta Delgada.

Overall positions after SS14