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Leg report

Prodrive's Nikara shows pace leg 2 of Rally Sweden

Jarkko Nikara had some very good times despite starting second in his Prodrive MINI John Cooper Works WRC.

Jarkko Nikara and Jarkko Kalliolepo, Mini John Cooper Works WRC

Jarkko Nikara and Jarkko Kalliolepo, Mini John Cooper Works WRC

XPB Images

Jarkko Nikara was able to set some very good stage times on day three of Rally Sweden, despite running second on the road and once again sweeping the surface for the following cars.

Jarkko Nikara and Jarkko Kalliolepo, Mini John Cooper Works WRC
Jarkko Nikara and Jarkko Kalliolepo, Mini John Cooper Works WRC

Photo by: XPB Images

On stage 12, the first run through Hagfors Sprint, Nikara was third fastest and on the second stage of the day, Fredriksberg, set a blinding pace through the first 5km split.

His John Deere supported, MINI John Cooper Works WRC again ran faultlessly until the near the end of the penultimate stage of the day, when a front brake disc shattered, forcing him to complete the second run through Hagfors with just three functioning brakes.

Dave Wilcock, Prodrive WRC Team principal, said: "Jarkko drove with great pace and maturity today. Despite his poor road position he was setting a very strong pace through the morning loop and his third place on Hagfors Sprint was well deserved. Unfortunately for the afternoon loop, the preceding historic rally had badly cut up the road, which meant he was once again having to sweep the surface for the following cars. Events like this demonstrate just how important qualifying is and the knock-on effects of a poor road position."

Jarkko Nikara said: "This morning the stages were quite consistent and I was very happy with the car. I was pleased with the third place on Hagfors, even though it was not a perfect run. It is a shame about our road position, but we will continue to push tomorrow and look to set more top ten stage times."

Prodrive WRC Team

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