 Kris Meeke is chasing victory in the rally junior class |
Kris Meeke lies third in the junior class after the first day of the Rally of Italy. The Dungannon driver saw his chances hit by a puncture early on Friday but recovered to set impressive times.
Kosti Katajamaki of Finland leads the class by 1.45 minutes with Estonian Urmo Aava less than a second ahead of the British Citroen C2 pilot.
"It is very frustrating and Without the puncture I am sure I would have a comfortable lead," said Meeke.
"I was only five miles from the end of stage two when we got the puncture.
"I tried to drive out but the tyre came off the rim and we lost the time changing the wheel.
"If you slow you risk losing the rally. You can have a puncture at 70mph as easily as you can at 60mph, so you might as well go for it."
Meeke is 27th overall in the rally which is led by Frenchman Sebastien Leob.
MMIX
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