Ogier fights back to lead in Spain
Lead switches four times in exciting mixed surface leg
Aasen extends Trophy lead
Norway’s Marius Aasen strengthened his grip on the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy at RallyRACC Catalunya - Costa Daurada on Friday after a thrilling day in which the lead changed hands five times.
He finished the gravel section of the Spanish event in top spot to extend his advantage at the top of the standings to 21 points.
Last year’s runner-up, Welshman Tom Cave, set five fastest times over the eight gravel tests. But he ended in second after losing over 40sec when caught in the dust of fellow title contender Max Vatanen. Cave and Vatanen are tied for second in the series, 21 points behind Aasen.
Vatanen dropped time on three stages as he struggled with a lack of turbo boost caused by a damaged pipe.
The fourth title hopeful retired from the lead after an inspiring drive on his least-favoured surface. Belgian Ghislain de Mevius was ahead by 16.8sec but was sidelined with broken front and rear suspension.
In this double header finale, another full set of points will be awarded at the end of the event on Sunday.
