{"id":3235,"date":"2025-04-05T21:27:13","date_gmt":"2025-04-05T21:27:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.worldrally.eu\/?p=3235"},"modified":"2025-04-05T21:27:14","modified_gmt":"2025-04-05T21:27:14","slug":"gryazin-stays-in-control-on-dramatic-day-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.worldrally.eu\/index.php\/2025\/04\/05\/gryazin-stays-in-control-on-dramatic-day-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Gryazin Stays in Control on Dramatic Day 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the sun rose over C\u00f3rdoba, drivers tackled three demanding stages repeated twice throughout the day, following the short urban opener from Friday night. By the end of Saturday, seven stages have been completed, and the leaderboard is beginning to take shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leading the ERC with a calm yet commanding performance was Nikolay Gryazin and Konstantin Aleksandrov in their \u0160koda Fabia RS Rally2. The duo stayed sharp across every kilometre, showing consistency and precision to hold on to the top spot overall. By the close of the day, they had built a comfortable lead of 28.8 seconds over Spanish star Jos\u00e9 Antonio \u201cCohete\u201d Su\u00e1rez, who was pushing hard in his own \u0160koda, determined to stay in the hunt for both the European and national titles. Frenchman Yoann Bonato, at the wheel of a Citro\u00ebn C3 Rally2, sits just behind Su\u00e1rez in third, trailing Gryazin by 33.7 seconds. Italy\u2019s Andrea Mabellini and Norway\u2019s Mads \u00d8stberg round out the top five.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Alejandro Cach\u00f3n and Borja Rozada. Photo: Photoms Media Agency<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The day wasn\u2019t without setbacks. Efr\u00e9n Llarena, a serious podium contender, was forced to retire after suffering a mechanical issue with the exhaust manifold. Meanwhile, James Williams exited the rally after a heavy impact with the barriers, and the Villaviciosa stage had to be neutralised early due to a dramatic off from Phillip Allen in his \u0160koda. Later in the day, the same stage was halted again following a crash involving Mads Esantike\u2019s Peugeot, causing further disruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Supercampeonato de Espa\u00f1a (S-CER) fight, the battle is tighter than ever. Alejandro Cach\u00f3n, driving the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, showed incredible pace, winning three of the seven stages and matching Gryazin\u2019s time on another. He ended the day as national leader, though Su\u00e1rez is breathing down his neck \u2014 just 0.6 seconds behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin. Photo: TG MotorPhoto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, WRC stars Thierry Neuville and Elfyn Evans, both using this event as a test ahead of Rally Islas Canarias, dominated the road times, with Neuville winning every stage by narrow margins over Evans. Though not registered for points, their presence brought another level of intensity and excitement to the rally. Not everyone had a day to remember. Pepe L\u00f3pez, one of Spain\u2019s top hopes, admitted things weren\u2019t going to plan. \u201cThis just isn\u2019t our rally, or our rhythm \u2014 we have to improve,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the teams prepare for the final push on Sunday, the standings remain open and the fight for both ERC and national glory is far from over. With narrow margins, technical stages, and the ever-present risk of error, Day 3 promises even more drama in this unforgettable edition of Rally Sierra Morena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n