The weather in Otago is mixed – fine spells and blue skies, rain and grey – but the stage results have a constant look about them.
Richard Mason has just won his 12th successive special stage – there’s only one left to run – and he has moved to a 54.5 second lead over Hayden Paddon.
Subaru Impreza WRX STi driver Mason took a further 6.6 seconds out of Paddon (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) on the most recent stage, SS12, Kuri Bush.
He has run the last two stages – the 51km Duns and Kuri Bush – with a bent suspension member on one corner of the Subaru.
Paddon was second quickest there with fellow Evo 9 driver Chris West next, 4.9 seconds behind Paddon.
Evo 9 drivers Brett Martin and Stewart Taylor were next quickest.
In the overall standings for Leg 2, Mason leads Paddon, Taylor, Martin, West and Callum McInnes (WRX).
Barring off-road excursions, non-one has a chance of overtaking anyone on the final test, Whare Flat, west of Dunedin city.
In the Classic section of the rally, Finn Pasi Hagstrom leads in his Porsche 911.
