Protestors have caused havoc this morning at Repco Rally Australia forcing the the Special Stage, SS6, to be cancelled.
It has been reported that only a few cars were able to start Special Stage 6 CTEK East 1 after Car 0 was initially stopped in mid-stage due to protestors throwing rocks at the car.
The initial 3 three cars that started the stage were stopped midway through by protestors waving yellow signs and placards. Drivers were forced to slow and stop as they reported they were unable to determine if the flag wavers were in fact officials or protestor.
Before the start of Repco Rally Australia, protestors had threatened to halt stages as well as throwing frozen animals at cars in protest against the environmental impact the event will have on the local community.
Protest groups No Rally and Kyogle-based 7th Generation oppose the rally on environmental grounds, claiming it will frighten off wildlife and disrupt the areas breeding season.
However 7th Generation spokesman Peter Lanyon told the Brisbane Times that only safe protests were planned earlier this week.
"We respect the right of people to protest but so long as they are not putting anyone in danger," he said.
In other news from this morning, light rain has caused some tricky conditions for the runners.
“The stage was really slippery, even in a straight line, but I am happy with my time.” said Mikko Hirvonen after SS5.
However the early leader is Jari-Matti Latvala despite a slight accident at the start of SS5.
“We hit something at the start of the stage and damaged the steering, the car was just a bit off from there.” said Latvala.
There was also a report of Mark Tapper and Jeff Judd (car 43, Evo IX) having rolled heavily in the end of SS5 Kyogle 2 however we currently have no news on their condition but are expected to be ok.
More results to follow later today on ozracingwrap.com
SS5 KYOGLE II 948hrs:
LATVALA 22:17.4
OGIER +1.2
LOEB +4.2
HIRVONEN +4.8
SORDO +5.0
SOLBERG +25.3
