Hannes Danzinger has vowed to bounce back from the disappointment of retirement from Rally Liepāja-Ventspils on today’s first stage, Ventbunkers 2.
Danzinger, who started the event leading the ERC 2WD Championship following his class victory on the International Jännerrallye in his native Austria
“We were seven kilometres into the stage so about three kilometres from the finish when the water pump broke and the engine ran out of water,” said the Renault Clio R3 ace. “To not damage the engine we stopped before we could get some water and drive slowly to the end of the stage because we did not have the parts in the car to do anything more.
“Of course we’re disappointed but what can we do? I know it was not a mistake from me or my co-driver so this helps me. Now we look forward to the next race which will be in the Açores, we hope, when we will be well prepared.”
Finn Risto Immonen leads the two-wheel-drive division by 28.8s ahead of Stéphane Lefebvre with three stages remaining. The young Frenchman had been leading since Friday’s first stage but a gearbox problem has dropped him back. “We have no fifth gear so now we just try to finish the rally,” said Lefebvre. “But second place is good for the moment and I am happy.”