Ogier – with Benjamin Veillas on the notes – increased his overall advantage on the second run through ‘Saint-Geniez – Thoard’ by 16.1 seconds to lead nine-time WRC winner Loeb by 21.1 seconds. The Toyota Gazoo Racing driver admitted the difference had been the decision to switch his two studded tyres for slicks having observed Loeb do this prior to the 20.79km test going live. “I was planning to go with the snow tyre to be honest – it was probably the safest option and we can see Kalle [Rovanpera, stage winner] was fastest,” said Ogier, “but I saw Seb was going for slicks, so we quickly changed, last-minute before the start, just to be the same. It was more challenging...
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