The race actually started out with a lot of promise. Hermann Gassner in particular repeatedly achieved first-rate times, showing his potential. Up until the first special stage Hänninen and Gassner were in first and third place overall. But pointless mistakes on the very first day threw both pilots far behind. Both cars had damaged wheel suspensions after individual driving errors, but thanks to the Super Rally system both crews were still able to continue in the competition.

The second day didn’t go any better. The notorious “Panzerplatte” special stage got the better of both drivers. After two flat tires, Gassner finished the second day in eighth place. Hänninen took fourth. Unfortunately the third day didn’t do much to change these standings. Despite good times achieved in the special stages, neither of the crews managed to improve their position. After 340 kilometers of special stages, Ott Tänak won the German Rally.

Gassner Jr.: “This rally was a letdown for me. We were incredibly unlucky, especially with two flat tires in a row pulling us down. But we wanted to reach the finish line anyway and get as much experience as possible. In the end we did manage to make some good times. Now we’ll be focusing fully on France.”

Team leader Raimund Baumschlager: “Unfortunately it didn’t go the way we had wanted or imagined. We just didn’t have good luck. But: Juho is still first in the overall standings. Our job now is to look forward and focus fully on France. Every point counts for Juho. I’m pleased with Hermann. He mostly managed to make good times. He showed his potential, but he just didn’t get lucky. France won’t be easy for any of us. We’ll do everything we can so that Juho stays on top before the finale in Spain.”