WRC3
Membrado holds off Fontana for WRC3 victory in Finland
Gil Membrado withstood a final-day charge from Matteo Fontana and Tymek Abramowski to claim WRC3 victory at Secto Rally Finland by just 4.7sec.
The Spanish teenager began Sunday with a 16.6sec advantage over reigning champion Fontana, but the battle tightened considerably on the opening 30.02km pass through Himos–Jämsä.
Abramowski produced the fastest time by 6.9sec to climb into second place, while Membrado’s lead was reduced to 7.7sec with only the Wolf Power Stage remaining.
The Pole was unable to repeat that performance on the final test, however. He managed only the third-fastest WRC3 time and slipped behind Fontana, who moved into the runner-up position.
Membrado kept his composure through the final 30km to secure his second WRC3 victory of the season, finishing 4.7sec clear of Fontana. The result lifted him to third in the championship standings, just two points behind second-placed Abramowski.
Tymek Abramowski was on the charge on Sunday
© At World
Jarkko Nikara celebrated his best WRC3 result by finishing fourth on his home rally. Co-driven by Toyota Gazoo Racing WRC Challenge Programme participant Tomiya Maekawa, Nikara was also the highest-placed Renault Clio Rally3 crew.
Kerem Kazaz completed the top five aboard his Ford Fiesta Rally3, ahead of fellow Finn Ville Pynnönen.
Ali Türkkan climbed to seventh on the Wolf Power Stage after moving ahead of Riku Tahko, while Finnish comedian Ismo Leikola finished ninth. Rio Ogata rounded out the top 10.
