Under adverse conditions, the first day of the 34th East SafarI Rally started and ended. The rain that preceded, muddied the special routes and the crews looked more like winter swimmers, since the four specials of the day, in addition to mud, also had enough water, something that was difficult for everyone without exception.
The battle for the first place between the crews of Petrolina ENI Racing Team Tsoulofta Chrysostomou (Citroen DS3 R5) and Galatarioti-Ioannou (Skoda Fabia R5) was shocking. The first ones started the match strongly, winning the first special stage. The reaction from the champions came in the very next as they won it and reduced it to four seconds.
It all contributed to a shocking sequel. In the next two special stages, which were night, Tsouloftas - Chrysostomou managed to score the best time, finishing the first day first, with a difference of 21 seconds from Galatariotis-Ioannou.
The champions were in a similar position in the respective match last year and finally managed to turn the data upside down. The duel between him is expected to catch the eye tomorrow as both crews will give it their all in order to prevail.
Zenonos - Christofi with the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO9 complete the top three. They drove fast and so far they are first in the N. category. crews separate in just 10 seconds.
The Petrolina ENI Racing Team Yagou - Kyriakou were clearly improved from previous appearances and with the Hyundai i20 they are in sixth place. Pafitis - Tsiakkas were also quite good, who are seventh overall.
George Nestoros-Giannos Kallis (Mitsubishi Lancer EVO6) are in eighth place and at the same time are first in the RCS 2 category, having a comfortable lead from the second crew. Antoniou-Pieris (Mitsubishi Lancer EVO10) and Limniotis-Sophocleous (Mitsubishi Lancer EVO9) complete the top ten.
In the two-wheeled category, Leo-Zoli (Suzuki Swift) is the leading crew. Christos and Iordanis Iordanous also make a very good appearance with the Peugeot 206 and are rewarded with the second place.
On the first day, four crews left, while a total of 15 crews chose not to start due to weather conditions.
Photos: Stathis Efstathiou / Koullis Kyriakou
Source: smracingnews.com