Evans took the lead thanks to a deadly Tanak penalty

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The British Elfyn Evans (Toyota) took the lead in Thursday’s Rally Estonia at the end of the first special, taking advantage of the five-minute penalty the Estonian received good luck (M-Sport Ford), despite setting the best time.

Brand, fourth in the WRC, was forced to change his car’s engine after the shakedown and is now five minutes behind the leader in the standings. Their chances of winning at home are now very slim.

The leader of m sport ford he led Elfyn Evans and Esapekka Lappi by six-tenths of a second on the winding 3.35km Tartu Vald stage on the roads of Raadi Manor. However, it was no consolation for Tänak, who started the rally with a five-minute penalty.

Technical problems in the shakedown left the British team with no choice but to replace the engine with Tänak’s Puma, an offense punishable when carried out between scrutineering and the first time control.

“I would say the longer I have to get through the day, the more it hurts,” Tänak thought. “Our championship options are pretty tight considering our performances this year and we’re working hard for the next two rallies. It’s a real kick in the nuts.”

Nothing separates Evans’ Toyota GR Yaris from Lappi’s Hyundai i20 N. Both set identical times and will share the lead tonight. Reigning champion Kalle Rovanperä was a tenth behind his Toyota and third with Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) fourth overall.

Things will be more difficult this Friday, as the longest stage of the rally will offer 133.38km of action in two parallel loops in the morning and afternoon, north and south of the city. The pace will be intense from the start, with the 24.35km Peipsääre stage being the longest stage of the rally.

Source: La Verdad

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