The Czech driver was one of the favourites to win the FIA European Rally Championship opener but was forced to retire at the end of SS3 due to damage inflicted to his Ford Fiesta Rally2 striking what he believes was a rock on the side of the road.
“For sure it’s a sad moment for us because I was here for the experience but that’s rally and we need to think forward and let’s see tomorrow,” said Cais. “I will now go somewhere to watch the onboards of the guys who are on the stages because I want to know the conditions on the second loop and how it’s going for them. Then I will keep focused for tomorrow [when I will restart].”
Of his exit following SS3, the ERC-Michelin Talent Factory member explained what went wrong.
“On a little right corner into the downhill, 2.5 kilometres before the finish I went probably too close to something and hit something,” the 22-year-old Yacco ACCR Team driver said. “And that damaged both right-side tyres and caused the powersteering issue. It was probably some stone or something, even on the onboard there is not so much to see so we could not see what it was but we know where it was.”
He continued: “I was quite happy with my driving and also the times were not so bad. I am feeling more comfortable than last year in these conditions and also on the gravel, that is the most important thing because we have improved and for sure it’s frustrating.”
Finland
Italy
Hungary