SS11: Makinen fights back

Makinen had already lost time as a result of a brush with a tree at the end of leg one, and had also received a 10s time penalty for being late leaving service. Initially that was annulled, but the stewards have now upheld the original decision. To add to his problems, the Finn then went off the road again on SS10.

However, he was quickest by a clear 6s on SS11. Now running fourth, his only realistic target would appear to be third placed Carlos Sainz, as Richard Burns and Didier Auriol continue to run clear of the pack. The Subaru driver is actually extending his lead over the Frenchman and is now 12s ahead.

The other British entrants have suffered mixed fortunes. While Colin McRae was out after SS1, his brother Alister has been dominating F2 since the start of the rally. David Higgins, brother of former British champion Mark, was entered in a VW Jetta with a local team, but retired after SS8 with broken steering. Sabrina Shaw is still running however, the 17-year old Peugeot 106 Cup regular currently 37th overall in her GpN-spec 106.

The best news for everyone however is that the conditions are finally improving, many of the stages showing signs of drying out at last.


Positions after SS11: