Junior WRC in Poland: Solans’ terrific treble
Nil Solans completed a hat-trick of wins in the FIA Junior WRC in Poland on sunday afternoon to extend his points lead.
The Spaniard won the category at Orlen 74th Rally Poland by 15.4sec to add to previous victories in France and Italy, stretching his championship advantage to 39 points.
Solans adopted a clever strategy on a treacherously slippery event to set nine fastest stage times in his Ford Fiesta R2T. He also extended his lead in the WRC 3 standings after finishing top two-wheel-drive car.
"It was a very difficult rally and we had to be careful at the start," said Solans. "But then we lifted the pace and controlled the rally. The rain, and the fact we were first two-wheel-drive car on the road, made things very difficult but it's nice to be top of the podium again."
Rookie Dennis Rådström vowed to improve his pace in Poland and did exactly that. In only his third WRC event, he was unbeaten on six stages to finish second and move up to fourth in the championship.
Frenchman Nicolas Ciamin struggled in the wet conditions but improved his pace to claim the final podium spot on the penultimate stage. He is second in the points.
He benefited when fellow countryman Terry Folb punctured, dropping two minutes and sliding to fourth. Julius Tannert and Dillon Van Way completed the top six.
Newcomer Emil Lindholm, on his first full WRC rally, was a surprise leader on the opening day. He collided with a tree yesterday, but returned today to win the final stage.
Zdroj: wrc.com