Schwarz battles for podium finish.
With just two stages remaining, Skoda Motorsport driver Armin Schwarz holds a superb third place in the Monte Carlo Rally.
Following the retirement of overnight leader Colin McRae, the Octavia ace has been locked in a terrific see-saw battle with Francois Delecour for the final place on the podium.
The Frenchman moved ahead of Schwarz on this morning's first stage - a 33km section over the famous Col de Turini but Schwarz fought back to retake the position with an awesome display on the following 16km stage from Loda to Luceram.
With just two stages remaining, Skoda Motorsport driver Armin Schwarz holds a superb third place in the Monte Carlo Rally.
Following the retirement of overnight leader Colin McRae, the Octavia ace has been locked in a terrific see-saw battle with Francois Delecour for the final place on the podium.
The Frenchman moved ahead of Schwarz on this morning's first stage - a 33km section over the famous Col de Turini but Schwarz fought back to retake the position with an awesome display on the following 16km stage from Loda to Luceram.
With the mountain roads covered in snow and ice, tyre selection has been of paramount importance - Schwarz opted for studded Michelin tyres for the opening two sections that proved ideal for the demanding conditions. "There was no right choice but mine seemed right to me," remarked Armin.
McRae's retirement has also moved Bruno Thiry's Octavia into a points scoring position. The Belgian currently holds eighth place overall and more importantly sixth position among the registered manufacturer entries.
The WRC drivers now face another run through this morning's two stages before the official finish back in Monte Carlo this afternoon.
Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
