Strong opening for Pontus Tidemand in Rally Sweden

Already on Thursday’s qualifying stage, Sweden’s rally talent Pontus Tidemand proved that he wants to be in the battle for the top five positions when he set the fourth best time. After having driven the super special stage on Thursday evening with too little air in the tyres, Pontus came back strongly on Friday, Rally Sweden’s first full day.

Already on the morning’s opening stage he set another fourth best time, after top drivers like Ogier, Latvala and Loeb. He maintained the pace and during lunch service, Pontus was fourth overall and also the best Ford driver. During the afternoon he sadly couldn’t manage to keep the fourth place, but still set good times and is pleased with his accomplishment.

– I’ve found the harmony in my driving. We’re going fast but I’m not pushing, Pontus says.

Friday also ended with a super special at Färjestad in Karlstad. Pontus raced against the overall Rally Sweden leader Sebastien Ogier and won, which turned out to be a great ending of a phenomenal day in a WRC car.

– We’ve had a great day, Pontus says. Everything has gone according to plan, and even better, and we haven’t had any technical problems. I’m very pleased so far!

Pontus is sixth overall after today’s last stage and the plan for tomorrow is to maintain the pace or try to push a little bit.

Tomorrow, Saturday, Rally Sweden continues with eight special stages.

Saturday February 9th

SS9                Sågen 1                              08.47

SS10              Fredriksberg 1                   09.52

SS11              Rämmen 1                          10.39

SS12              Hagfors Sprint                   11.20

SS13              Sågen 2                              13.38

SS14              Fredriksberg 2                   14.43

SS15              Rämmen 2                          15.30

SS16              Hagfors Sprint 2                16.11