Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

SS17: Makinen flies through Margam

Out-going world champion Tommi Makinen made sure that he held on to third place in the Network Q Rally of Great Britain with a faultless drive through the last of Sunday's stages

The Finn had been battling with Ford's Carlos Sainz over the first two of today's stages to see who would be on the final podium place come Sunday evening. But Makinen ensured the third spot by being the only driver to break the 17-minute mark through the 28.13km Margam stage, while Sainz could only manage the fourth fastest time, 18 seconds slower than Makinen.

The surprise of the stage was Estonia's rising star Markko Martin in the Toyota Corolla. He was second quickest, closely followed by veteran Juha Kankkunen in the Subaru.

Sainz has not got fond memories of Margam. The Spaniard almost had the world championship in his grasp when his engine blew with the finish line in sight two years ago, so perhaps with that in mind, the Ford driver was not wanting to push too hard. His fourth place in the rally secures third place in the championship.

Richard Burns' sixth fastest time was enough to see the Englishman take his third Rally GB victory in a row, while new world champion Marcus Gronholm took it relatively easy, setting the 11th fastest time.

To see SS17 results, click here.

To see final standings click here.

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article SS16: Makinen grabs third from Sainz
Next article Burns praises new champion Gronholm

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe