Australia’s Brendan Reeves is in the mix in the WRC Academy segment at the end of the opening day of Neste Oils Rally Finland.
Reeves is in fifth position, but more importantly less than four seconds away from second.
The class is being led by Northern Irishman Alastair Fisher.
“We had a good run through the first two stages before a small mistake on the third, but happy with our times,” said Reeves.
“The event is incredible, so many spectators today. I have never seen anything like it before.
“It will be a big day tomorrow.”
A far more challenging day for fellow Aussie Molly Taylor who finished the leg in 15th more than six minutes behind.
“What can I say, a puncture and overshoot so not the start to the rally we had planned,” said Taylor.
“Tomorrow is a new day.”
The WRC Academy has all competitors driving identical Ford Fiesta R2 models that are all prepared by M-Sport, the same team that prepares the official Ford factory entries.