Leading by 21.8sec overnight, the Turkish driver kept his cool as soaring temperatures and rough roads claimed several key rivals – including joint championship leader Mille Johansson – allowing Türkkan to extend his advantage beyond five minutes.
Johansson had slightly closed the gap with a strong start to the day, trimming the deficit to 21.5sec by midday, while fellow title contender Taylor Gill picked up two stage wins. But their momentum unravelled in the afternoon when Johansson retired with a coolant leak after a heavy hit on SS11, and Gill dropped several minutes with a double puncture.
Türkkan continued to set the pace with two stage wins in the afternoon and now sits within reach of his maiden FIA Junior WRC victory heading into Sunday’s four-stage finale.
Thomas Martens climbed into second overall with a mature and measured drive. The Belgian overtook Diego Dominguez on SS11 and then sealed the day with a stage win on Inohori. He ends Saturday more than five minutes adrift of Türkkan but on course for a career-best result.
Dominguez had been in the fight for second before suspension damage on SS12 cost him over four minutes. The Paraguayan, who also suffered a holed radiator in the morning, ended the day fourth behind Gill.
Martens, like Türkkan, is edging toward a career-best result
© WRC
Karem Kazaz completed the top five despite struggling for confidence on the first stage of the day. The Turkish youngster recovered well from Friday’s puncture, while Eamonn Kelly – plagued by brake issues – followed in sixth.
Max Smart had looked set for another strong result before an impact broke his suspension and sidelined the South African on SS11. That same stage also claimed Claire Schönborn, who stopped with a broken wishbone.
Sunday’s finale features four more gruelling gravel stages, including the 23.37km Tarzan Wolf Power Stage.