Adrien Fourmaux claimed the lead of Rally Chile Bio Bío after engine failure for colleague Ott Tänak on Friday’s final stage handed the Hyundai driver a slender 1.0sec advantage over team-mate Thierry Neuville.
The Frenchman inherited the top spot when Tänak pulled up 5.6 kilometres into the day's longest test, ending what had been a commanding performance from the Estonian - who had built an advantage of nearly 10sec after overhauling championship leader Elfyn Evans' morning advantage.
"I can only be pleased because I think it is the first time we are leading a rally at the end of the first day, so it is positive for us but it is a shame for Ott," said Fourmaux, who is chasing down his first-ever FIA World Rally Championship victory. “Tomorrow is going to be a different day, so let’s see.”
Neuville sat second in his similar i20 N Rally1 after a transformed afternoon following major set-up changes between loops. The Belgian struggled in the morning but found his rhythm as conditions dried, describing his car as “way better” despite admitting he was "still far from good.”
Sébastien Ogier delivered the day's standout individual performance with a stunning stage win on SS6, beating Neuville by 3.1sec and climbing from fifth to third overall. Making his 200th WRC start this week, the eight-time world champion was another to make midday set-up adjustments after a muted morning.
“I kept pushing all day and this morning I was already on the limit, and in this last stage I cannot do more," reflected Ogier, who trails Fourmaux by just 2.3sec heading into Saturday.
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