Ogier makes it two from two with SS2 victory

Rallye Deutschland 2015 SS2 is the 16.4km Waxweiler test – it’s the only stage that remains unchanged from 2014. It’s a fast and flowing challenge along narrow roads before a final 2km on more open tarmac.

It was Sebastien Ogier that was able to use the stage to his advantage, making it two from two so far with a time of 9:33.1. ‘Okay, not a perfect stage again, and I’m yet to find the perfect rhythm, but I’m satisfied.’ he commented. He was just three tenths faster than team mate Jari-Matti Latvala through this one, despite him also struggling. ‘The first stage was okay but I’m not happy with my driving in here. I’m losing too much time with understeer and I don’t know why.’ explained Latvala.

Repeating his SS1 performance, Andreas Mikkelsen came through to make it a Volkswagen 1-2-3, with him 5.9 seconds down on Ogier’s time. ‘I was way too careful in many places. The car feels great and it was a nice clean drive but I was not near enough to the limit.’

Kris Meeke’s pace continues with another fourth fastest time, while a top six appearance from Elfyn Evans shows that he has potential this weekend. ‘Clean enough but I’m struggling for grip. I can’t get the car to give me enough feeling’ he commented. Neuville completes the top six.

Ogier’s rally lead is now 1.8 seconds after two stages – SS3 is today’s longest test, the 23.24km Moselland stage (repeated as SS7), and begins at 11.05 local time.