WRC Rally Saudi Arabia Fourmaux Ogier defined the opening leg on Thursday, as a dramatic day in the desert reshaped both the rally order and the title fight.
Fourmaux Controls a Turbulent First Leg
Adrien Fourmaux managed the shifting surface conditions with calm execution. He avoided major issues, and his consistency placed him 6.0sec ahead of Sami Pajari.
Meanwhile, Martins Sesks held early control with strong morning pace. However, a right-rear puncture cost him time on Moon Stage, dropping him to third but still well within reach.
Lead Changes Mark the Afternoon Loop
Pajari moved ahead after winning SS6, yet a late delamination pushed him behind Fourmaux. Despite these setbacks, both drivers remain serious contenders heading into Friday.
Title Battle Tightens as Ogier Gains Ground
Sébastien Ogier handled the loose desert surface more effectively than championship leader Elfyn Evans. His clean run moved him into a provisional one-point lead.
Evans struggled with grip while sweeping the road. A minor overshoot added early pressure, and further losses placed him ninth at the end of the leg.
Rovanperä Stays in the Fight
Kalle Rovanperä suffered two punctures that slowed his charge. He ended the day between Ogier and Evans, keeping all three contenders closely matched.
Performance and Stage Highlights
Ott Tänak claimed the penultimate stage despite suspected suspension damage. Thierry Neuville held fifth after navigating a cracked windscreen and a slow puncture.
Takamoto Katsuta maintained a careful rhythm to secure sixth, while the M-Sport Ford squad faced multiple tyre issues that hampered progress.
Engine Power and Technical Demands
The Rally1 hybrid units delivered strong responsiveness across the long desert sections. Managing torque delivery and tyre wear remained crucial as surface grip changed rapidly.
Friday’s Long Stages Await
Friday brings more than 130km of timed action. With narrow gaps at the front and the championship fight shifting, road order could dictate much of the day’s momentum.
Summary
Fourmaux leads after a demanding opening day, while Ogier holds a fragile edge in the title race. With long stages ahead, the rally remains unpredictable and wide open.
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Source: WRC
