Overview
- Oliver Solberg, Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans all retired on Saturday after WP13, with Solberg halted by electrical and gearbox issues on a road section, Ogier stopped by an alternator failure, and Evans sidelined by right-rear suspension damage.
- Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta moved into the provisional lead following the exits of his team-mates during the rally’s most punishing conditions.
- Toyota’s Juha Kankkunen said thick mud entered engine bays and damaged alternators, describing a morning of extremely tough running.
- Friday’s action had tightened the fight for victory to one second after Solberg suffered a right-rear puncture and Ogier mounted a major recovery as punctures and reliability problems reshaped the order.
- Organizers already canceled Friday’s Camp Moran stage due to impassable access, while rivals battled issues ranging from Hyundai power deficits reported by Thierry Neuville to M-Sport retirements and wildlife delays for Esapekka Lappi.