Dumas tops
battle of
the racers

Le Mans racer Dumas is 41.3s clear of multiple World Touring Car champion Yvan Muller heading to the 4.65-kilometre Mulhouse street stage, which goes live at 18:35hrs local time.

Dumas, who is driving a MINI John Cooper Works WRC, said: “My times are improving but they are still not quick enough. I can gain more time in myself but I have to gain more with the set-up as well because I still need to find some better set-ups as the car continues to understeer.”

The highlight for Dumas so far was undoubtedly his performance on the Friday’s opening test when he was faster than event leader Sebastien at the opening timing split point of the stage.

Muller, meanwhile, needed his Prodrive mechanics to rectify a minor engine glitch that occurred on Thursday night’s stage in Strasbourg before heading to stage two of the FIA World Rally Championship counter this morning. He reckoned he could have been closer to Dumas in his similar MINI, had his pace notes been better. “They are not good for this car and it’s difficult to make them better now the rally has started.

Dumas is 19th overall with Muller in 20th position.