Despite still suffering from the effects of the serious injuries he sustained in a testing crash in Russia in early May, Lukyanuk completed the 3.37-kilometre run with the quickest time of 2m04.187s at the wheel of his Russian Performance Motorsport Ford Fiesta R5.
“Looking to the time it’s fine,” said the Russian. “I have some problems with pain in the car and the confidence but I’m feeling better and it was pretty enjoyable.”
Nikolay Gryazin was the fastest ERC Junior Under 28 contender in a fine second overall with world championship regular Mads Østberg third following repairs to his Fiesta R5, which had dropped on to front-wheel drive in Free Practice this morning.
Peugeot Rally Academy’s José Suárez was fourth with Polish champion Grzegorz Grzyb fifth followed by Pepe López and Filip Nivette, who completed the stage with damage to the left side of his car following contact during the run. Sylvain Michel was eighth despite missing out on a pre-event test.
Double European champion Kajetan Kajetanowicz was ninth with Marijan Griebel completing the top 10 as a pop-off valve issue restricted Bryan Bouffier, the four-time Rally Rzeszow winner, to P16.
Tibor Érdi Jr set the pace in ERC2 with three-time European champion Luca Rossetti fastest in ERC3. Jari Huttunen was the quickest ERC Junior Under 27 contender.
The fastest 15 ERC priority drivers will select their starting positions for Friday’s first leg at a ceremony in Rzeszów’s Millenium Hall from 17h00.
