{"id":3557,"date":"2025-10-17T21:54:33","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T21:54:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.worldrally.eu\/?p=3557"},"modified":"2025-10-18T20:20:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-18T20:20:31","slug":"close-fight-for-the-lead-as-toyota-dominates-day-2-of-central-european-rally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.worldrally.eu\/index.php\/2025\/10\/17\/close-fight-for-the-lead-as-toyota-dominates-day-2-of-central-european-rally\/","title":{"rendered":"Close Fight for the Lead as Toyota Dominates Day 2 of Central European Rally"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Day 2 of the Central European Rally brought big changes to the leaderboard, as six stages were run across three countries, Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, with each loop repeated in reverse order during the afternoon. The morning featured the stages Granit und Wald (Germany), B\u00f6hmerwald (Austria), and Col de Jan (Czechia), followed by a regroup in \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov before tackling them again in the opposite direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The day began with S\u00e9bastien Ogier in the lead, followed by Kalle Rovanper\u00e4 just +1.6 seconds behind, and Adrien Fourmaux in third at +3.9 seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The opening stage of the day saw Thierry Neuville make a strong push, jumping three positions from seventh to fourth. However, his teammate Ott T\u00e4nak matched his pace and managed to overtake him on the following stage (SS4). Unfortunately, on SS5, Neuville damaged the front-right of his car after a small off and suffered a puncture, costing him over a minute and dropping him to eighth overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That same stage, SS5, proved difficult for several crews. Gr\u00e9goire Munster, who had narrowly avoided retirement on Day 1, wasn\u2019t as fortunate this time, he hit a bank after a jump, causing double punctures and suspension damage, forcing him to retire for the day. He is expected to rejoin under Super Rally tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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S\u00e9bastien Ogier and Vincent Landais \/ Photo by TG MotorPhoto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

More trouble followed when the anti-cut poles were moved before SS5, creating unexpected hazards. Several drivers, including Josh McErlean, Timo Pahlitzsch, William Smart, and Matteo Dapr\u00e0, all struck the same hidden stone, damaging their suspensions and losing valuable time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More trouble followed when the anti-cut poles were moved before SS5, creating unexpected hazards. Several drivers, including Josh McErlean, Thomas Pahlitzsch, Max Smart, and Roberto Dapr\u00e0, all struck the same stone, damaging their suspensions and causing punctures, losing valuable time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adrien Fourmaux also struggled with the changed road conditions, saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Many corners were flat for me on the recce, but I couldn\u2019t go flat because there was so much dirt on the road.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The time loss dropped him from third down to sixth overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The afternoon loop ran more smoothly, as drivers were familiar with the stages and could better manage their pace. But SS7 brought another twist, Elfyn Evans set a faster time than T\u00e4nak, stealing third place on the leaderboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final stage took place after dusk, adding a new challenge as the anti-cut poles reflected heavily, making visibility difficult for many crews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Alejandro Cach\u00f3n and Borja Rozada \/ Photo by Goretti at @worldrally.eu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As the rally heads into Day 3, it\u2019s shaping up to be a thrilling fight at the top. Toyota holds all three podium positions, but the gap between the top two drivers is incredibly close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. S\u00e9bastien Ogier and Vincent Landais \u2013 1:03:29.8<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Kalle Rovanper\u00e4 and Jonne Halttunen \u2013 +0.6<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin \u2013 +29.5<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    In WRC2, Spain\u2019s Alejandro Cach\u00f3n continues to lead comfortably, followed by L\u00e9o Rossel at +34.2 seconds, and Jan \u010cern\u00fd at +1:08.3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n