Titanic struggle for lead in Belfast

Entering the final stage of the opening leg of the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally, the third round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, Finnish driver, Juho Hanninen (Skoda Fabia S2000) led Norwegian, Andreas Mikkelsen, also in a Skoda, by just six 10ths of a second behind.

Jan Kopecky (Skoda Fabia) is third with Alastair Fisher (Fiesta S2000), the best of the Irish contingent, in fourth position.

Kopecky topped the time sheets of the Titanic Super Special in Belfast with German driver, Sepp Wiegand just two 10ths of a second behind and top seed, Andreas Mikkelsen, a second further behind to complete a Skoda top three. Craig Breen (Peugeot 207) was fourth.