Rytkönen masters mixed conditions to lead Euro RX1 field overnight in Lohéac

Sport news With up to 70,000 spectators expected to descend on the iconic French venue over the course of the weekend, those who braved Saturday morning’s downpour were rewarded with action from the outset. Heavy rain began falling early in the morning and continued until midday, prompting officials to declare a wet race and creating a formidable early challenge for the championship’s leading contenders. Rytkönen immediately looked at home in the treacherous conditions. The Finn lined up against Sébastien Loeb, Fabien Pailler, Anton Seppä and Mats Öhman in one of the most competitive races of Qualifying 1, with Loeb setting the early pace and producing the fastest lap of the session on lap two. The nine-time FIA World Rally Champion appeared set to mark his return to European rallycross with victory, but Rytkönen remained firmly in contention before snatching the lead at the very last corner. His late charge earned him both the heat win and the fastest overall time of Q1, placing him at the top of the standings ahead of Loeb and Ole Christian Veiby. By Qualifying 2, the rain had relented and the circuit was drying rapidly, with lap times improving throughout the session. Rytkönen o