SS3, Inohori 1: Martin shines - Panizzi flies
Markko Martin proved that, despite running a shortened programme, he will not be outshone by his Subaru team mates when he posted the fastest time through SS3, Inohori 1
The young Estonian's time of 18m27.1s was four seconds clear of the second placed driver, the hugely impressive Gilles Panizzi driving a privateer Peugeot. Panizzi moves into the top six overall following the third test of the day.
Petter Solberg keeps the overall lead of the rally after finishing the first run through Inohori third fastest. Following Marcus Gronholm's retirement (see separate story), the Norwegian has a two-second lead over team mate Martin.
Thomas Radstrom popped up with the fourth fastest time of the stage, the Citroen Xsara holding up well in its first gravel rally. Ford's Colin McRae moves up to fourth overall after being fifth on the stage. The Scot is now 15 seconds back from Solberg.
Richard Burns makes it a Subaru one-two-three overall with his sixth fastest stage time, although the Englishman would no doubt be happier if he was ahead of his younger team mates, not behind.
The second Ford of Carlos Sainz was seventh through Inohori, followed by the Blue Oval's third driver Francois Delecour, who is suffering from a sore wrist after falling off his bike. The Frenchman is on pain killers which are making him feel a little groggy, especially on the road sections.
Philippe Bugalski in the second Citroen and Freddy Loix's Mitsubishi were ninth and tenth. Kenneth Eriksson had double problems, losing his power steering and all turbo boost in his Hyundai. The Swede will have to do SS4 before getting any chance to fix the troubles. He lies outside the top 15 overall.
For SS3 results click here.
For full live timings table click here.
For full entry list click here.
For the itinerary click here.
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