Bruno Magalhães says he was delighted with his performance on the second day of Sata Rallye Açores, which he completed in third position following a close battle with ŠKODA Motorsport driver Jan Kopecký.
Driving a Peugeot Sport Portugal 207 Super 2000, Magalhães drove without error to reach the overnight halt in Ponta Delgada 4.9s clear of his Czech rival.
“I’m really happy with my performance and with my pace,” said last year’s event winner. “The ŠKODA has improved a lot from last year and it’s impossible to have the same speed as first two guys. I will try to go to the podium. I said before the rally it would be very difficult to fight for the victory and that a podium would be excellent for us.”
The only major concern for Magalhães occurred on the final loop of stages when a rear damper problem led to a handling imbalance, particularly in high-speed sections.