So the ever-consistent and careful Kris Princen, now in 14th place overall, took the lead in the Clio R3 European Trophy. Though the reigning champion had to keep looking over his shoulder as a press-on Pierre Campana breathed down his neck, in spite of a spin on SS 9 that cost him precious seconds. At the end of the day the Corsican drove into Valence 1’31’’2 behind the leader, with the added bonus of 9th fastest scratch time on the last stage of the day.

Kris Princen – Renault Clio R3 No. 36: “It’s only the second time ever I’ve driven on snow so I wasn’t that confident, though in the end I was the fastest Clio R3 on SS 6, the snowiest of the lot! There's no such thing here as the best choice of tires; all you can hope for is the least worst. My lead is tiny. Here you need to have a lead in numbers of minutes, not just seconds.”

Pierre Campana – Renault Clio R3 No. 35: “I lost lots of time when I spun second time round Saint Bonnet de Froid. But on the whole it’s been a good day, especially with that 9th fastest scratch time on the last stage. Last night I thought I wasn’t in with a chance, but today… The first stage tomorrow will really tricky. But anything can happen on the Night of Turini!”

Thomas Barral – Renault Clio R3 No. 42: “I’ve got only the 230 bhp engine, compared with the others who have the 250 upgrade, so I’m pleased with my 3rd place. We’ve been consistent, though our choice of tires hasn’t always been perfect. Today we've seen how quickly fortunes can change. We need to stay consistent tomorrow and see what happens...”

Simone Campedelli – Renault Clio R3 No. 43: “I’ve had some real ups and downs today. It began with a puncture on the first special stage of the day, so I had to use three snow tires and one wet tire on SS 6! Then, this afternoon, the first ones out said there was no ice, so I set off on wet tires. I don’t know which stages they were talking about, but it was the worst choice I could have made.”

Jean-Michel Raoux - Renault Clio R3 No. 44: “I’m learning all about how this car handles in different conditions. I still need to go faster. I’ll try and up the pace tomorrow but, above all, I’m determined to get to Monte Carlo. I’m really looking forward to driving this terrific car on slicks.”

Christophe Fontaine – Renault Clio R3 No. 41: “I’m exhausted. It’s been a long day. I was really worn out on the last stage and all I want to do is go to sleep!" 

Results – Leg 2:
 
1. Kris Princen (BEL) – Eddy Smeets (BEL) 3h30’53’’6
2. Pierre Campana (FRA) – Sabrina de Castelli (FRA) + 1’31’’2
3. Thomas Barral (FRA) – Sabrina Seux (FRA) + 3’30’’5
4. Simone Campedelli (ITA) – Danilo Fappani (ITA) + 8’15’’5
5. Jean-Michel Raoux (FRA) – Céline Charbonnier (FRA) + 11’33’’9
6. Christophe Fontaine (FRA) – Yvon Colas (FRA) + 18’42’’3
Retired: Mathieu Arzeno (FRA) – Romain Roche (FRA) SS8 - Crash
Retired: Jan Cerny (CZE) – Pavel Kohout (CZE) SS6 - Crash
Retired: Matteo Gamba (ITA) – Emanuele Inglesi (ITA) After SS5 - Mechanical problems (engine sensor failure)
Retired: Giuseppe Freguglia (ITA) – Gabriele Falzone (ITA) SS3 - Crash
Retired: Eric Mauffrey (FRA) – Gaetan Houssin (FRA) SS1 – Mechanical problems (drive belt)
Retired: Robert Kubica (POL) - Jakub Gerber (POL) Prologue – Mechanical problems (engine failure)