Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah and Giovanni Bernacchini won four of the day’s six special stages to comfortably lead the Jordan Rally on Friday afternoon.
The Qatari is running a new Autotek Motorsport-prepared Škoda Fabia RS for the first time and overcame a spin on stage two to gradually get to grips with the machine and try out various settings on his way to a 1min 05.7sec overnight lead.
Defending champion Abdullah Al-Rawahi teamed up with local codriver Ata Al-Hmoud and led in his Škoda Fabia after two stages, but suffered radiator and possible engine damage after an accident on the first pass through the Baptism Site stage.
But, once the Omani had retired, Al-Attiyah was able to manage his pace and stay clear of fellow countryman Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari and his British co-driver Marshall Clarke in their second-placed QMMF-backed Škoda Fabia. Al-Kuwari was also the highest-placed of the drivers registered in the Jordan National Championship and was quickest on the third stage.
Al-Attiyah said: “After Qatar Rally, we retired and we knew we needed to be clever here. We knew Jordan is a very tough race. I tried to manage stage-by-stage. On the first loop this morning we had one big spin and we decided to change a little bit the clicks (suspension). I am quite happy to finish day one with a good lead and we try to learn the new car for tomorrow. We need to feel the pressure but we need to be smart here. The stages are rebuilt with loose gravel – an amazing job by the organisation. No risks now tomorrow.”
Al-Kuwari added: “Very difficult day. There is no time to close your eyes during the stages. The moment you lose your concentration it is very difficult. The speed is coming and the gap is not very good in each stage. I know where I am losing time and that is a good sign. Tomorrow is a longer day and that will not be easy.”
After his accident, Al-Rawahi said: “The first two stages were quite good. We struggled a bit with the grip but that was for all. In the third, we retired from the rally after the finish. I think I have a problem with the engine. We will check it when the car comes back. Overall, I am happy and sad at the same time. The pace was there but we had to retire. Let’s see if we can continue tomorrow to get some points for the championship.
