More problems for Al Qassimi on SS10

A radiator grill blocked with snow cost Khalid Al Qassimi around three minutes on Saturday’s second stage. Qassimi nudged his Ford Focus into a snow bank 5km from the start and had to stop and scoop out the snow to prevent overheating before completing the test.

Citroen’s Dani Sordo set the fastest time - his first of the rally - and said he was satisfied with his performance on the first two stages. “I think these roads are better for me,” he said. “The feeling was good in the last stage and it went well - I’m really happy.”

But like many drivers Sordo was concerned about how the roads would deteriorate on the repeat pass. “I think the second time will be very hard for the tyres - in these conditions they will be easy to puncture unless you are very careful.”