Driving a Pirelli-equipped Peugeot 208 Rally4, Cogni moved in front after setting the pace on SS3 and went fastest again on SS4. But Pisani, in a Michelin-shod Peugeot, reclaimed first place after winning SS5 only for Cogni to retake the top spot with the quickest time through SS6.
There was a sting in the tail for Pisani on the final test at Guarcino - Altipiani, however. The 32-year-old dropped more than half a minute to Cogni, ending the day 34.6sec behind, after he picked up front-left tyre damage.
“We had a puncture after six kilometres in the middle of the stage,” the dejected Pisani said. “We catch a stone in the middle of the road, the tyre is blown immediately so we drive six kilometres only with the rim. Thirty seconds is lost but tomorrow is another day. With Giorgio it was an amazing battle so I am very happy for the performance.”
There were no such problems for Cogni, however. “We had a lot of fun with Gianandrea, a really good battle. Unfortunately he had a puncture on the last stage. I am sure tomorrow he will try to come back but let’s enjoy this moment. For me there will be no time to relax and we have to push from the first metre of the first stage tomorrow.”