World Rally Championship Paraguay reached another milestone as Toyota’s Sami Pajari extended his edge, narrowing a crucial gap to 24.1 seconds after nine stages.
Storm‑hit service park throws a wrench into preparation
While a storm was anticipated, winds and heavy rain instead battered the service park, damaging many team tents. Cooler phases helped curb tyre delaminations that plagued Friday, yet grip levels continued to shift unpredictably.
Pajari endured two minor incidents, including a near‑ditch run on Bella Vista that stalled the Finn to a damaged rear wing, but he kept his composure as tyre conservation grew more demanding.
Fourmaux rises, while Paddon seeks rhythm
Adrien Fourmaux, starting 55.0 seconds behind third‑placed Elfyn Evans, seized the day by winning five of nine stages, slashing the gap to 3.3 seconds. He credited a set‑up tweak—made overnight in anticipation of rain—for the dry‑day performance, and now eyes “P3 or more” ahead of tomorrow.
Hayden Paddon, still battling to regain Friday’s momentum, focused more on tyre preservation and avoiding the mishaps that had earlier forced him to a reduced pace.
Standings tighten as other drivers shuffle
Oliver Solberg climbed to fifth, overtaking M‑Sport‑Ford’s Josh McErlean after the latter misjudged a turn. Home driver Diego Domínguez maintained a seventh‑place overall position, leading WRC2, despite an early‑morning mishap in which he navigated without glasses before his wife supplied a replacement pair at service.
Jon Armstrong closed out the day in eighth, followed by WRC2 competitors Gus Greensmith and Fau Zaldivar completing the top‑10.
With weather discipline still in play and first‑hour differences narrowing, every corner will prove decisive as the rally shifts into its final phase.
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