Stage two: Auriol sets the pace
Didier Auriol has taken the lead of the Rally Australia by setting the fastest time on the first stage of leg two
The Toyota driver is the only man who can beat triple champion Tommi Makinen to this year's drivers championship, and currently lies four points behind the Finn.
An Auriol victory could clinch the manufacturers' title for Toyota in what will be their penultimate rally before the factory team pulls out to concentrate on Formula One.
Early leader Colin McRae is still close behind, while Makinen is fifth but only three seconds off Auriol's pace.
The most notable retirement so far is Subaru privateer and local hero Possum Bourne, the New Zealander failing to complete SS2.
More details and news to follow...
Positions after SS2, York Railway:
|
1 |
Didier Auriol |
Toyota Corolla |
4m12.7s |
|
2 |
Colin McRae |
Ford Focus |
4m14.6s |
|
3 |
Juha Kankkunen |
Subaru Impreza |
4m14.7s |
|
4 |
Harri Rovanpera |
SEAT Cordoba |
4m15.1s |
|
5 |
Tommi Makinen |
Mitsubishi Lancer |
4m15.1s |
|
6 |
Richard Burns |
Subaru Impreza |
4m16.2s |
|
7 |
Francois Delecour |
Peugeot 206 |
4m17.0s |
|
8 |
Marcus Gronholm |
Peugeot 206 |
4m17.8s |
|
9 |
Carlos Sainz |
Toyota Corolla |
4m18.2s |
|
10 |
Thomas Radstrom |
Ford Focus |
4m19.6s |
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