Kalle Rovanpera (Toyota), leader of the world championship, accelerated towards first place in Rally New Zealand, eleventh round of the WRC season, during the second day, disputed Friday evening and Saturday morning (Belgian time).
The Finnish driver, who turns 22 this Saturday, now has a 29-second lead over Sebastien Ogier (Toyota) and 46.4 seconds better thanThere, Tanak (Hyundai). Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) moved from 6th to 4th position, at 1:41.4.
Also note the releases ofElfyn Evans (Toyota), Gus Greensmith (Ford) and Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota) during this second day.
The third part of the event, contested in the night from Saturday to Sunday (Belgian time), might allow Rovanpera to win his first (and probably not his last) world crown.
The third day program
ES14 : Whitford Forest – Te Maraunga Waiho 1 (8,82 km – dimanche 0H03) → Live video
ES15 : Jacks Ridge Haunui 1 (6,77 km – 1H08)
ES16 : Whitford Forest – Te Maraunga Waiho 2 (8.82 km – 2H38)
ES17 : Jacks Ridge Haunui 2, Power Stage (6,77 km – 4H18) → Live video