Polish driver Robert Kubica set the fastest time on the Shakedown stage ahead of round 11 of the 2015 FIA World Rally Championship, Tour de Corse.
The Pole set a time of 2 min 19 sec on the rain soaked 3.88km stage from Corte to Poggio di Venaco in a Ford Fiesta RS but Kubica feels that despite the good pace the torrential rain that is predicted for Friday’s stages will affect performance.
“We tested here two weeks ago and did a small test in Italy before coming here, but in completely different conditions,” said the Pole. “Heavy rain is predicted for tomorrow and it will be a big challenge just to stay on the road. So my confidence isn’t really high, but it’s the same for everyone. It will be a big day if the heavy rain comes.”
Northern Ireland’s Kris Meeke went second fastest in the Citroen DS3 0.8 sec behind with Jari-Matti Latvala the first of the Volkswagens in third another five-tenths adrift. World Champion Sebastien Ogier went fourth fastest 1.6 sec behind Kubica with Dani Sordo the first of Hyundai in fifth. Mads Ostberg and Kevin Abbring set the same time to the nearest tenth of a second as did Thierry Neuville and Andreas Mikkelsen in eighth and ninth. Elfyn Evans rounded out the top ten in his Ford Fiesta WRC RS 3.5 sec off Kubica.
The first WRC running of the Tour de Corse since 2008 kicks off tomorrow with three demanding stages through the iconic island of Corsica. The Checkered Flag will be bringing you coverage from the event throughout the weekend.
