Overall leaders on the Total Rally South Africa, Serge Damseaux and Robert Paisley, had some tense moments on Special Stage 15 of the Total Rally South Africa when the differential on the Castrol Toyota RunX RSi failed and forced them to complete the last 10km in two wheel drive.
No servicing was allowed between Special Stage 15 and 16 so the Castrol Toyota crew had to complete the 13.69KM Special Stage 16 in two wheel drive before technicians could replace the differential, which they achieved in 26-minutes. However, only 20-minutes were allowed for servicing and the leaders incurred a one minute penalty.
Jannie Habig and Douglas Judd (VW Polo) won Special Stage 15 despite power steering fluid leaking on to the brakes and Hergen Fekken and Pierre Arries (VW Golf) won Special Stage 16 to increase their lead in Class A7.
Charl Wilken and Robin Houghton are fourth overall in the Castrol Toyota RunX RSi with Japie van Niekerk and Greg Godrich fifth in the Class N4 leading Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8, which has an ailing gearbox. Pundits are doubtful as to whether they will make the finish.
Cliff Blackman and Johan Klaasen lead Class S20 in the BMW 320i, Rodney Visagie and Carolin Swan (Total Toyota RunX RSi) lead Class N3, Craig Trott and John Costa (Total Toyota Corolla RS) lead Class A6 and Michael Houghton and Bryn Doherty (Toyota Tazz) lead Class A5.
All times and positions are unofficial.
