Jones and his co-driver Ruari Souter-Dawson (Nissan GTR 35) moved past overnight leaders Tony Quinn/Naomi Tillett (Nissan GTR 35) on SS11 Western Range 2 and gradually increased their lead throughout the afternoon.
“We’re getting used to the car in these wet conditions. We are definitely stronger having the experience in the wet from Targa Tasmania earlier this year but it was so tough out there today,†Jones said.
“Coming around some corners there were what seemed like rivers of water across the road and you had to concentrate just to keep the car on the road. It’s difficult but I’m having so much fun out there it’s just awesome.â€
Quinn remains in second place, 22 seconds behind Jones and is followed by Dean Herridge/Chris Murphy (Subaru Impreza WRX Sti) who trail the leader by 1 minute 13 seconds.
Kevin Weeks (Porsche 911 RSR) continues to hold top spot in the Classic Competition class and despite insisting he had taken it easy on the slippery roads he extended his lead over the rest of the field to 2 minutes 37 seconds.
“Some days you just wish you were a frog,†Kevin Weeks joked.
“In all seriousness it was very tough out there, there were times when it felt like I was just along for the ride but we kept it clean and tidy and have been able to secure a good lead going into tomorrow which is fantastic.â€
Husband and wife team David and Vicki Moir remain in second, ahead of Gary Tierney/David Carra (Porsche Carerra RS) who moved up into third on SS09 Western Range 1.
Mark Conacher/Andrew Conacher (Nissan GTR 35) lead the Modern Challenge class by 1 minute 19 seconds over Robert Darrington/David Abetz (Audi S4) and Razvan and Ioana Vlad (Hyundai i30 CRDi Turbo Diesel).
Rohan Green/Andrew Cutten (Porsche 911), competing in the Classic Challenge class, took a 48 second lead into today’s stages and ended the day with an 8 minute 33 second lead over nearest rivals Luke Reymond/John Reymond (Volkswagen Golf). Martin and Sharon Eyer (Triumph Stag) round out the class.
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