Rally Japan : Mitsubishi / PCWRC - Leg 2
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution driver Fumio Nutahara holds second position in the FIA Production Car World Rally Championship at the end of the second leg of Rally Japan, the penultimate round of the series.
The Hokkaido resident had led overnight but slipped behind fellow countryman Toshi Arai after today`s opening stage. Federico Villagra, also registered for the series, hold fourth in similar machinery.
The second leg of Rally Japan has been a lot shorter at 100.98 competitive kilometers but still covered eleven stages around the town of Ashoro before the remaining crews returned to the Obihiro super special to close the day. Overcast conditions early this morning ultimately led to rain in the stages and exceptionally slippery and tricky conditions.
Nutahara lost his advantage at the head of the leaderboard this morning and has gradually lost time to Arai, despite pushing hard and claiming three PWRC stage victories. However, the local driver remains happy with second position in the FIA PWRC and will be chasing eight series points in tomorrow`s closing day of competition.
“We had a front left puncture six kilometers into SS18 and lost time,” said Nutahara. “About Toshi… I don`t know, he`s a very good driver and sometimes we were best and other times him. The car has been great all day though, no problems. Tomorrow our goal is to push hard and keep second in the PWRC.”
Having started the day fifth of the registered contenders, Federico Villagra climbed one position after SS15 and overnights fourth in the category.
“We`ve had a very clean run and are here to learn the stages and get a solid result,” said Villagra. “Finishing is the priority but everything is to plan at the moment; I couldn`t wish for more. The car has been good and we`ve been watching Ligato all the time, but now I think that battle is over as we have nearly two minutes on him.”
Tomorrow`s final leg is the shortest of the event and takes the crews to the north-west of Obihiro. Five stages and 85.94 competitive kilometers lay in wait before the finish back in Obihiro at 15:00 hrs (local).


Tags: japan, asian, asia, obihiro,