Marcus augmente son avance en gagnant les ES7 & ES8. Le classement après les deux premières spéciales :
- M. GRÖNHOLM 1:29:42.0
- S. LOEB +17.9
- G. GALLI +1:26.3
- D. CARLSSON +1:26.7
- M. STOHL +1:55.7
- M. EKSTRÖM +1:58.9
- H. SOLBERG +2:03.5
- K. SOHLBERG +2:13.8
- J. TUOHINO +2:18.5
- T. RÅDSTRÖM +2:43.8
- K. KATAJAMÄKI +3:15.9
- X. PONS +4:14.2
- T. SCHIE +4:39.3
- J. JOGE +4:54.3
- M. WILSON +5:38.9
- J. KOPECK? +5:53.2
- P. SOLBERG +6:10.6
Les commentaires des pilotes après l’ES7 :
MARCUS GRÖNHOLM : We have made some modifications to the car and it is now very good. We made the right tyre choice for this stage and I know this stage very well. Comment: When they came to the finish line they both looked at Loeb’s time at the board and both put their hands in the air when they realized they were quicker. No rear bumper, you can see the spare wheel and most of the exhaust system.
SÉBASTIEN LOEB : When Sébastien came to the finish line he was told, “You have the fastest time” and his answer was “yes, but Marcus will be faster” I choose an ice stud for this stage but it was not the best. I hope it will work on the next stage.
GIGI GALLI : I made too many mistakes and I was not driving the best lines.
DANIEL CARLSSON : I was really trying in there, maybe too much at the start. I calmed down, found the right lines and a good feeling.
MANFRED STOHL : Very fast stage. Comment: His strategy of foot to floor appears to be working.
MATTIAS EKSTRÖM : We went off the road for a short distance in a slow corner and lost a little time.
PETTER SOLBERG : That was the first clean stage I have had this rally but I still have to get into a rhythm.
Et après l’ES8 :
MARCUS GRÖNHOLM : Lot of loose snow on the stage but ok.
SÉBASTIEN LOEB : Not perfect tyre choice this morning, we must change at service and push the rest of the day.
GIGI GALLI : I try and I try to drive fast in here.
5 spéciales sur 6 pour Gronholm aujourd’hui, qui continue d’accroitre son avance sur Loeb… un grand Marcus !