Pressure builds as Ogier loses Italy lead

Having started this second day of action with a slender 4.5sec advantage over Hyundai’s Ott Tänak, Ogier dropped behind the Estonian by 0.1sec after sustaining tyre damage in the day’s opening stage at Tempio Pausania.

Aside from Adrien Fourmaux, Ogier was the only driver to carry just one spare wheel on board for the loop. He must now complete this morning’s remaining three rough gravel speed tests with the knowledge that a repeat issue could spell retirement.

“I actually had a puncture since the beginning [of the stage],” he said. “I have no idea why.”