Rally Finland: OMV Kronos notes after SS1

OMV Kronos Citroen WRT also in eighth place at super stage Just like at this morning's shakedown the OMV Kronos Citroen World Rally Team was able to reach eighth-best overall time on the super stage, as well. The only difference: while the ...

OMV Kronos Citroen WRT also in eighth place at super stage

Just like at this morning's shakedown the OMV Kronos Citroen World Rally Team was able to reach eighth-best overall time on the super stage, as well. The only difference: while the shakedown is only a test run the 2,06 kilometres long super stage on Thursday evening was already part of the rally. As good as the result may have been for self-confidence, the real preliminary decision will only take place on Friday where 133,49 special stage kilometres are scheduled.

Speed confirmed

Manfred Stohl kept his promise and already rode full attack during the super stage. A time of 1:22,5 minutes saw him only 1,9 seconds behind best- timer Chris Atkinson in the works Subaru on the 2,06 kilometres long racetrack of Killeri and resulted in eighth intermediate place. A satisfying beginning for OMV duo Stohl/Minor. Stohl: "We were able to confirm our speed. It was very important to me not to lose comparatively much time here already."

Staking the claim

Manfred Stohl is convinced that a preliminary decision will already take place on Friday. The reason being, as the OMV driver sees it, that each driver wants to stake his claim. Stohl: "Everyone will go full speed to impress their opponents by how fast they can go. Which means I also won't be spared putting my foot down and taking a lot of risk. For you won't be able to catch up on the time you lose on Friday."

No less than ten special stages with an overall length of 133,49 kilometres are scheduled for Friday. The restart will take place at 07.00 (local time) in Jyvaskyla, where the first car is also expected back at the final service at 20.30.