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Australia, Leg 2: Trouble-free day for Rovanpera
Rovanpera a strong second in Australia
Conditions on the Rally Australia, the last round of this year's
championship, were dry and warm over all of today's 10 stages, which
culminated in two runs over the packed spectator superspecial in Perth
City. The route consisted of fast and flowing gravel roads to the east of
rally headquarters in Perth, characterised by loose and demanding
surfaces.
Trouble-free day for Rovanpera
Rovanpera has ended leg two of the Rally Australia in second place, after
a fast and reliable run in his 307 WRC. Harri started the day in third place,
and had no problems at all throughout the leg apart from a small off-road
excursion on the second stage of the day.
In the afternoon he concentrated on consolidating his position in
order to safeguard a strong points haul for himself and Peugeot.
The Finn said: "Everything is going very well so far. We had no problems
at all apart from the off on the second stage which maybe cost us about
10 seconds. The car is feeling good and I am quite confident. We are
second now and although the gap to the front is quite big there is still a
long way to go and anything can happen. The important thing is that the
car has been fast and reliable, which is a very good sign for the future."
Unfortunately, his team mate Marcus Gronholm was forced to retire from
the lead, having dominated the action on leg one. Marcus started this
morning with a lead of 20 seconds, having driven quickly and reliably
over the opening leg. But he was forced to retire from his winning
position just three kilometres into the opening stage this morning after
going off on a left-hand corner.
The Finn said: "We came into the corner with normal speed, but the ruts
were much deeper than they had been yesterday, and the car started to
slide on the sump guard. This put us into a 360-degree spin and we hit
the front and the back of the car against a tree. I tried to start the engine,
but after the impact there was something rubbing against the alternator
belt, so the engine would not restart. Finally we managed to get it going
again, but it was too late. It was a real pity as the speed and the
reliability of the car has been perfect. We just needed a bit more ride
height to get through that corner."
The final leg of the Rally Australia and 2004 World Championship gets
underway early at 0530 tomorrow, before crews tackle six stages. The
last four stages are run consecutively without service and include the
famous 'Bunnings Jumps', providing the season with a dramatic finale.
Press release / Peugeot Sport
After SS 19/25
1. Sebastien Loeb, Citroen, 02 h 30´06,7" (104,1 km/h)
2. Harri Rovanperä, Peugeot, + 01´20,5"
3. Francois Duval, Ford, + 02 30,0”
4. Mikko Hirvonen, Subaru, + 04´56,0”
5. Anthony Warmbold, Ford, + 09´31,7"
6. Alister McRae, Subaru (N) + 11´25,6
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