Meeke and Nagle retain lead in Spain

The Irish pair of Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle in their Peugeot UK-backed Peugeot 207 S2000 have finished second in the Rally Principe de Asturias in Spain, round nine of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

The event was won by their championship rival, Kopecky, however, Meeke retains his lead of the IRC albeit by a point.

The Dungannon/Killarney pair had a slice of good fortune today as their rivals hit trouble.

They began the today's final six stages in seventh place.

Within a few stages, they had reeled in Belgian, Freddy Loix (Peugeot).

Then, works Abarth driver, Giandomenico Basso who led overnight, lost several minutes and slipped down the order, he eventually finished eighth.

Another leading driver, local hot shoe, Alberto Hevia (Skoda Fabia S2000) also lost several minutes with a puncture as Meeke moved into third place entering the final pair of stages.

Just when it appeared that he had finished third - behind winner, Kopecky and Nicolas Vouilloz - a position that would have seen him lose the lead of the IRC to Kopecky, albeit by a point, Meeke enjoyed more good fortune.

Vouilloz was penalised 40 seconds (late departure from service) demoting him to third - with Meeke promoted to second.

Provisionally, it's a result that allows Meeke retain the IRC lead, a mere point ahead of Kopecky with two events remaining.

Provisional result - IRC Round 9, Rally Principe de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain

1. J. Kopecky (Skoda) 2h. 41m. 51.3s.

2. K. Meeke (Peugeot) +2m. 46.9s.

3. N. Vouilloz (Peugeot) +2m. 49.5s.

4. F. Loix (Peugeot) +2m. 58.9s.

5. C. Fontana (Peugeot) +3m. 45.0s.

6. A. Hevia (Skoda) +4m. 27.2s