WRC 3
Incident-free Estonia Friday has Abramowski on top in WRC3
Poland’s Tymek Abramowski avoided incident on Friday to hold a commanding 38.2sec lead over the remainder of the WRC3 field heading into Saturday at Delfi Rally Estonia.
The breakout star of WRC3 in 2026, the 20-year-old entered the high-speed gravel round seeking his maiden victory of the season after three times finishing runner-up aboard his Ford Fiesta Rally3.
“Yeah, it was quite a nice day, also managing the speed, so we're not taking any unnecessary risks,” said the 2025 ERC3 champion. “So, yeah, we have fun, we are enjoying it, and tomorrow is proper day because Peipsiääre and Mustvee are quite nice stages.”
Abramowski made all the right moves across Friday’s seven stages, avoiding any of the drama that caught out a number of his rivals.
Nataniel Bruun rolled out of contention on Friday in WRC3
© At World
This included Toyota GAZOO Racing Challenge Program 4th Generation driver Rio Ogata who set back-to-back quickest times on his first-ever WRC stages, only to crash his Renault Clio Rally3 on the day’s third test, bringing a halt to his flying start.
Also stopping on SS3 was WRC3 regular Nataniel Bruun who experienced a high-speed role 7.3km into the stage. With the assistance of fans, he would be able to get back onto four wheels and complete the stage, before ultimately retiring for the day.
Kanta Yanaguida impressed on his WRC3 debut
© Toyota GAZOO Racing
A stage later and Kerem Kazaz was the next driver to falter, stopping at 4.9km, before continuing but with more than three-and-a-half minutes lost, elevating the second of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Challenge Program 4th Generation drivers, Kanta Yanaguida, into second, locked in a tight battle with Finland’s Jarkko Nikara.
Also linked to the Toyota GAZOO Racing Challenge Program 4th Generation class as driver for Japanese co-driver Tomiya Maekawa, Nikara eventually won out over Yanaguida, to complete the day in second, 5sec clear of the Japanese driver.
Fourth home was Germany’s Nicolas Otto whilst Kazaz rounded out the top five, one spot clear of Peru’s André Martínez.
