SS4: Mikkelsen relaxed despite losing more time in lead battle

Andreas Mikkelsen admits he can increase his pace on the Geko Ypres Rally after he lost more ground to Juho Hänninen in the battle for victory on round six of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

Mikkelsen trailed his Finnish rival, in an identical ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000, by 2.5s on the second run through the 14.30-kilomete Dikkebus stage. He said he was adopting a cautious approach in his efforts to ensure a podium finish.

“We try to drive with our heads, I am focused on not making a mistake or getting a puncture,” said the reigning IRC champion, who is now 11.6s adrift of first place. “There is more to come from me.”

Freddy Loix suffered a spin following the flying finish but otherwise reported no problems in his 2C Competition-run Peugeot 207 Super 2000.

Pieter Tsjoen said he had increased the grip levels at the rear of his ŠKODA and was fourth fastest, while Czech driver Antonin Tlustak completed the stage with damage to the front of his Fabia after going off the road.

Patrik Flodin was fifth quickest for Petter Solberg Engineering on his first rally since breaking his right collarbone. Poland’s Michal Sołowow was sixth quickest.