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Rodrigues sets ERC2 pace with Chuchała in ‘safe mode’

Ruben Rodrigues was the quickest ERC2 driver through each of Friday morning's three stages on the Azores Airlines Rallye, as Wojciech Chuchała looked to protect his category lead.

Rodrigues was delayed by bent suspension on the first stage of the event on Thursday, but having fought his way up to second last evening, he cut Chuchała's advantage from 50 to 40 seconds during the morning.

Subaru Poland Rally Team driver Chuchała admitted to taking things relatively easy in challenging weather conditions to avoid throwing away a fourths straight ERC win.

"I was in safe mode a bit this morning," he said in service. "Because of the huge fog with low visibility it's a big risk to drive fast. There is no point to drive faster because we have our lead very, very safe. For the second loop we can attack more but being safe is also important to make the kilometres and get knowledge.

"It's a very difficult rally. For the moment the hardest I did on gravel because of the fog. You cannot see the road, the grip is good in some places then not good and you have to be really precise."

Juan Carlos Alonso was also quicker than Chuchała on SS5 but then spun on SS6 and lost further time on SS7, falling to fourth behind Pedro Vale. Rui Moniz failed to complete SS6.

Zdroj: fiaerc.com