Water splash to blame for Meeke’s delay

Kris Meeke has blamed a water splash for the electronic problem that struck his Peugeot UK-backed 207 Super 2000 on the fourth stage of Rally Argentina.

Meeke, who lies in second overall after five stages, 13.5 seconds behind leader Juho Hänninen, said he lost vital seconds on SS4 and SS5 when an electronic sensor glitch caused his car’s engine to momentarily cut out.

The fault was repaired by the Northern Irishman’s Kronos Racing mechanics during the midday service halt in Carlos Paz.

Meeke, who insists he’s happy with his overall pace despite coming under pressure from third-placed Guy Wilks, is the defending Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion. He won the last round of the IRC series in Brazil earlier this month.