SS18: Evans in control, Neuville fastest

The first run through the famous Fafe stage (11.18km) - with its legendary jump near the finish - was the perfect dress rehearsal for the afternoon’s Wolf Power Stage finale. 

Neuville took the opportunity to make final adjustments to his notes with a high-speed stage-winning run of 6min 39.2sec, although the Belgian admitted he had been cleaning the road surface.  

Rovanperä was surprised by the grip levels on his first ever pass through Fafe in a World Rally Car, as Greensmith used his experience to overhaul Fourmaux and snatch fifth overall from his team-mate. 

Sordo was not able to match Neuville and appeared resigned to finishing second to the flying Evans. The Spaniard complained that his car was not handling properly and he was struggling for grip. Evans duly increased his lead to 22 seconds.

Lappi cruised through in WRC2 with a comfortable cushion over Suninen.