Briton Elfyn Evans (Toyota) took the lead in Rally Estonia on Thursday at the end of the first special, taking advantage of the five-minute penalty received by Estonian Ott Tanak (M-Sport Ford), who set the fastest time.
Tanak, fourth in the WRC world championship, was forced to change the engine of his car after the shakedown and is therefore five minutes behind the leader in the standings. His chances of winning at home are now very slim.
From Friday to Sunday, the reigning world champion Kalle Rovanperä (22), and winner last year in Estonia, will therefore try to increase the gap in the championship on his pursuers.
Sébastien Ogier, 3rd in the championship despite only having a partial program this season, is not taking part in the Estonian rally.
Classification of Rally Estonia after the first special stage (SS1, 3.35km), Thursday:
1. Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (GBR, Toyota) in 3:03.1
2. Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm(FIN, Hyundai) à 0 seconde
3. Kalle Rovanperä/Jonne Halttunen (FIN, Toyota) by 0.1 second
4. Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe (BEL, Hyundai) at 1 second
5. Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston (JAP-IRL, Toyota) 2.6 seconds
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7. Pierre-Louis Loubet/Nicolas Gilsoul (FRA-BEL, M-Sport/Ford) at 4.4 seconds
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