Ketomaa closes on SWRC victory

Jari Ketomaa is on the verge of landing his first win of the inaugural Super 2000 World Rally Championship season after an impressive run through Saturday’s eight stages in his Ford Fiesta.

Ketomaa began day two 22.5 seconds clear of title leader Xevi Pons but has extended his advantage to more than one minute over the Spaniard. With four stages remaining, Ketomaa is well-placed to claim victory, even though he wasn’t entirely happy after the morning loop.

“It was not perfect because we were struggling in the slow sections with understeer,” said Ketomaa. “I was at the limit and knew there was not much more time left in me but it has been a good day and I have got into a good rhythm.”

If Ketomaa is still in front at the finish in Auckland on Sunday afternoon then he will owe a debt of gratitude to his Shanghai FCACA Rally Team mechanics after they replaced a faulty crank sensor in his Fiesta on Friday evening, which involved moving part of the engine to carry out the change. However, insufficient time meant they were unable to replace a problematic clutch. “It was not slipping but it was not releasing properly either but we have been able to live with it,” said Ketomaa.

Although Pons’ winning sequence in the S-WRC is set to come to an end, he was still upbeat after the second day in New Zealand. “It was not bad today and we have to remember that second place is still very good for the championship,” said Pons, who like Ketomaa is driving a Ford Fiesta S2000. “I had a spin this afternoon and Ketomaa has been pushing very hard but it is okay.”

Martin Prokop’s only complaint at the end of day two was the time he lost due to overhanging dust clouds during the afternoon stages. “The day has been very good for us even though we had to stop because of the dust,” said Prokop. “But the time we lost yesterday meant it has not been possible to fight for the victory today.”

Patrik Sandell started the S-WRC category in fifth place but moved up to fourth despite admitting he hadn’t pushed hard enough on Saturday’s opening stage. “I was just too careful on the Tarmac [section],” said Sandell. “But we are in a good position for tomorrow.”

Nasser Al-Attiyah will start day three in fifth overall after losing more than 30 seconds on Saturday’s third stage when he overshot a junction after leaving his braking too late. “I enjoyed today and only made one mistake. Tomorrow is a long day so we will see what will happen,” said Al-Attiyah.

Janne Tuohino returned to the action this morning under SupeRally regulations following his roll on Friday’s sixth stage. Although his Fiesta suffered extensive damage, his mechanics were able to complete the repairs in time for Tuohino to leave first service in Auckland on schedule.

Albert Llovera is due to restart on Sunday after retiring his Fiat Abarth Grande Punto on day two.