Hungary: Tempestini surprises at the beginning of the season / ERC

Although Mathieu Franceschi overturned, he unexpectedly took second ahead of local Mikos Csomas, who completed a Skoda one-two-three. In the sub-category, Max McRae is starting to make a name for himself.

After the first stage, which was already characterized by drama, Sunday promised to be alive again. Six trials (= 88.18 km) were in the programme.

In the sandy terrain, Finnish leader Mikko Heikkilä strengthened his position in the new Toyota Yaris Rally2. Winning the opening two tests, he was able to extend his lead over Romanian Simone Tempestini (Skoda Fabia RS) to 10.1 seconds. The 32-year-old driver was able to look forward with peace of mind, but a broken rim in SS10 ended his rally. However, it was not the Romanian who benefited from it. At the same stage he was overtaken by Martin Sesks (Latvia) who revived again in the second Toyota.

The Latvian felt uncomfortable with his Yaris at the start of the morning, but changed the settings before SS10. It paid off. Seks took advantage of Heikkilä’s failure, passed Tempestini and Hayden Paddon and took the lead. With three stages to go, Seks was on his way to his fourth ERC success when he broke his qualifying suspension (WP12).

Simone Tempestini gave a very classic performance with amazing moments too and was the best surprise of this opening round. The 26-year-old driver, the Romanian champion who also won the JWRC title in 2016, was driving the Fabia RS Rally2 for only the second time and used it to the fullest. Knowing how reliable Skoda was, he was able to use the reality of the race to achieve his first success at this level.

This success could go to Hayden Paddon, but the New Zealander would have to show better speed. In fact, he could not attack Tempestini. The reigning champion knew he didn’t have the most efficient car for these kinds of fast gravel stages and relied on his experience to always stay ahead. His approach almost worked, but a puncture on the final stage saw him drop to fourth ahead of the amazing Miklos Csomos.

One of the successes of the meeting is due to Mathieu Franceschi. While he undoubtedly had the speed to fight for victory, a puncture and a rollover delayed that on Saturday. When he returned to the attack on Sunday he managed to climb to fourth place, but Sesks’ retirement and Paddon’s puncture dropped him to second place.

Austrian champion and ÖRM leader Simon Wagner ended the ERC opening with a lack of excitement in the Skoda Fabia RS in ninth place (+ 3:40.1).

Max McRae had a great start to the season in the ERC Junior. The son of Alister was consistent, if not very fast, and won after the burn of Mille Johansson, Jaspar Vaher and Calle Carlberg. The next ERC meeting will be held in the Canary Islands from May 2 to 4.