staddoha.com
Norwegian driver Mads Ostberg delivered a stunning performance on his first appearance at the Qatar International Rally to open up a 12.2-second lead after six gravel special stages on Friday.
Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah and French co-driver Mathieu Baumel delivered a solid performance without problems to hold second overall.
Competing in the southern Gulf region and the State of Qatar for the first time, the Škoda Fabia R2 evo driver belied his lack of experience and teamed up effortlessly with Austrian co-driver Ilka Minor for the first time to win four of the day’s six stages.
“I don’t know what to say,” said Ostberg. “This is a brand new experience for me. I felt more and more comfortable through the day. I guess the approach we have had has been quite correct. It’s not been easy and, for me, the more difficult part starts tomorrow when we open the road.”
Al Attiyah is bidding for a 16th win on home gravel but faces his stiffest ever test on Saturday.
“This will be good for us for tomorrow with Mads opening the road,” said Al Attiyah. “We can push. It’s important that we finished today without any problems. We are quite happy.”
Andorra-based Ulsterman Kris Meeke showed a formidable turn of speed to win the first two stages and lead after the opening loop. But an unfortunate roll at the start of SS4 dented his chances. Meeke and co-driver Chris Patterson recovered well to finish the leg in fifth overall.