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German test for trophy title contenders

The season's only all-asphalt challenge awaits drive dmack Fiesta trophy crews at ADAC Rallye Deutschland next weekend (18 - 21 august), as the chase for the crown shifts into top gear.

Following the opening three outings of the five-round series, the title battle is taking shape, with Welshman Osian Pryce and ‘Flying Finn' Max Vatanen separated by just five points at the top of the standings having claimed one round apiece - the latter popularly triumphing on home turf in Finland last time out.

Both men also have strong sealed surface pedigree, with Pryce having won asphalt events in the British championship and Vatanen clinching class victory at Rallye Monte-Carlo last year.

Pryce said: "I'm looking forward to the switch to Tarmac - it's a new challenge for everyone. Some of the stages in Germany are difficult and require a good set of pace notes to be competitive. Our aim is to score strong points for the third set of prize drives and maintain our championship lead."

Pryce and Vatanen may not have things all their own way, with third-placed Jon Armstrong having spent his early years competing on asphalt in Northern Ireland. After winning in Poland, the 21-year-old will be eager to bounce back from an accident in Finland to keep his title hopes alive.

French teenager Nicolas Ciamin - the youngest Trophy contender at just 18 - could similarly be a threat following two seasons of circuit racing experience.

Two 2017 WRC 2 prize drives are up for grabs for the crew scoring the most points on this event and October's final round in Spain combined.

Zdroj: wrc.com