MEEKE WINS IN BRAZIL!
Peugeot UK driver Kris Meeke has won the all-gravel Curitiba Rally in Brazil, round two of the IRC series. The Irishman claimed all seven stages on the opening day of the rally and then controlled his advantage on the second day to end up with a 26.2 second margin over Peugeot Belgium’s Nicolas Vouilloz, who finished second.
"This is one of the best rallies I have ever experienced," said Meeke. "From start to finish, it was simply awesome. The stages are just incredible: so enjoyable to drive. I had a really good feeling with the car and the team and at the end of it we got the perfect result."
Vouilloz overhauled Abarth driver Giandomenico Basso on the final afternoon, who finished third. Peugeot Belgium’s Freddy Loix was fourth, to move into the championship lead.
Abarth driver Anton Alen retired on the second stage of day two after going off the road. The rally finish, at the Curitiba circuit in Brazil, was immediately followed by the qualifying session for the opening round of the FIA World Touring Car Championship.
Freddy Loix now leads the championship on a total of 13 points, ahead of Kris Meeke, Sebastien Ogier and Giandomenico Basso – who are all tied for second on 10 points. Nicolas Vouilloz is third in the standings with eight points.
Full report, results, and points to follow later.
IRC FINAL RESULTS AFTER SS13, RALLY INTERNACIONAL DE CURITIBA (BRAZIL)*
1 Meeke/Nagle Peugeot 207 S2000 2h08m05.7s
2 Vouilloz/Klinger Peugeot 207 S2000 +26.2s
3 Basso/Dotta Abarth Grande Punto S2000 +47.9s
4 Loix/Smeets Peugeot 207 S2000 +2m32.1s
5 Cancio/Garcia Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 +5m20.0s
6 Tulio/Valandro Peugeot 206 S1600 +19m04.0s
*subject to final confirmation
Two-wheel drive leader: Rafael Tulio (Peugeot 206 S1600)
Irishman Kris Meeke’s Peugeot UK 207 S2000 won the Rally Internacional de Curitiba in style
