ERC Hungary: Charpentier Leads After sensation Stage win; Abramowski Retires; Bertalan Shines
ERC Staff House Rally Hungary: Challenger Charpentier soars, Abramowski exits early
Charpentier Scores Stage Win, Leads after Day One
French ace Thimothée Charpentier seized the initiative at the ERC Staff House Rally Hungary by winning Stage Five and opening a 2min 11.2sec gap to second-placed Igor Widłak.
“We pushed a bit and even though Tymek [Abramowski] was in front of us, on the splits we were already a lot quicker,” said Charpentier. “Unfortunately he did a mistake but that’s part of the game, we kept it on the road and after [Stage Five] it was only about managing the whole thing, and we did it pretty well.”
Abramowski’s Heartbreaking Retirement
Polish teenager Tymek Abramowski, who had led after four stages, was forced to retire after Stage Five. A deflated tyre on the final test damaged his Fiesta’s radiator, ending his event.
Despite the disappointment, Abramowski is set to restart on Sunday’s final leg.
Home Favorite Bertalan Shines in Third Place
Martón Bertalan, making his debut in a Rally3 car, holds an impressive third place. “It’s very good after our morning was not so good because I didn’t find my confidence,” said Bertalan. “But in the afternoon it came to us and we could go step by step. I know P3 is not our result because the others made mistakes, but this is Rally Hungary and we are really happy.”
Other Key Contenders
- Adam Grahn, the Swedish ERC3 newcomer, was on course for a podium until a late tyre issue demoted him to fifth.
- Hubert Kowalczyk suffered a damaged tyre 150 metres from the start of Stage Five, denting his podium hopes.
- Martin Ravenščak rolled his Fiesta Rally3 on Stage Six, dropping to seventh place.
The Battle Continues on Sunday
The ERC Staff House Rally Hungary reaches its climax on Sunday with six more stages over a competitive distance of 82.26 kilometres. The action kicks off at 09:27 local time with the first running of the 15.34km Iszka stage.
There were no such problems for Widłak, who remains on course for his first podium of the year. “I don’t look about this. What is important for me is that I can push once the day starts and even though we had three punctures it was the perfect day because we finished the day and I was happy my pace come back,” he insisted.
FAQ
Was Charpentier leading before Stage Five?
No, Tymek Abramowski was leading after four stages.
Will Abramowski restart on Sunday?
Yes, he is set to restart during the second day.
Pro Tip
Keep an eye on Martón Bertalan. The home favorite has shown great potential and could trouble the leaders on Sunday.
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