Driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 on Michelin tyres, Linnamäe slipped behind compatriot Robert Virves on SS5 but edged back ahead on SS6 to lead by a slender 0.3sec.
But by completing the first run of the 14.68km Mäeküla stage 3.7sec faster than Virves, it’s Linnamäe who’s the driver to beat once again.
“It’s going well,” said the RedGrey-run driver. “Obviously [it’s a dream to lead]. It’s exactly a home rally for me because I’m from Tartu, a dream come true for sure.”
Mikko Heikkilä continues to hold third place, despite spinning at a chicane on SS7. Nikolay Gryazin is back ahead of Miko Marczyk after he slipped behind Marczyk on SS6.
Sixth-placed Mārtiṇš Sesks said his car was “undrivable” due to the pop-off valve issue that has hampered him this afternoon.
More to follow…
Japan
Poland
Turkey