He didn't even win 1 single stage in this rally, so I think it's a little disappointing.
But Bonato, Tempestini and Wagner are even more disappointing!
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He had some good stage times indeed, but he is not consistent at all, sometimes he is 4th and sometimes 14th :)
https://rally-base.com/crew-profile/...72&ssGroupId=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjQwDMwnz2A
Llarena's pace was more surprising, being able to match Solans yesterday when he said he doesnt like these fast gravel rallies.
Yeah, positively surprised by Battistolli speed also for a fast gravel event.
Without his 2x spin, it could have played podium position. Still a young driver with not that much real Rally2 experience experience (I mean except Rally shows and Historic).
For Paddon, it’s a comeback event so difficult to assess; may have hoped a bit better but it’s interesting mileage to prepare Estonia and Finland.
For Solans, he was not bad yesterday before the puncture (fighting with Llarena) but sounds a bit lost now with his bad road position. Maybe he lost the spirit as championship will be really difficult; not sure we will see him again this season now.
On Spanish side, impressed by the young Palomo in Rally4 for a fast gravel event so far. He could take confortable lead in ERC4 if no issue in the last 2 (at least 20-25 points on Mabellini and Fotia and 40 on Pellier).
Pellier’s mistake yesterday is not a big surprise: he was taking too much unnecessary risks since the beginning of the season; it’s not lost for ERC-4 Junior (should be around 5-7 points behind Palomo after this one) but he has no more right to mistake. Interesting fight to see with Palomo (is the Spaniard able to convert his gravel speed on tarmac?). Herranen not bad for first international outings but if he doesn’t win on fast gravel, sounds unlikely for me that he can target the championship.
Well, if true, not convinced at all by the Power Stage strategy. He lost at least 3 positions with his strategy so far (could have been 9th instead of 12th without big effort) which represents ... 5 points, the best of PS points (and still not sure he can do better than Sesks there). Sounds clearly strange for me.
Budget issue again?
Heikkilä has impressed me, improving his pace gradually and moving up the leaderboard to lie 2nd o/a. This is what the ERC should be, local specialists taking on the top Championship contenders