WRC Estonia: Fau Zaldívar finishes stage 2 despite steering problems

Paraguayan rally driver Fau Zaldívar concluded the second stage of the Delfi Rally of Estonia 2026, the ninth round of the WRC season, despite facing significant technical issues. Piloting a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 with support from the Spanish team Raceseven, Zaldívar battled a damaged steering arm that cost him valuable time.

Zaldívar, navigated by Marcelo der Ohannesian, had been steadily climbing the rankings, reaching 8th in the WRC2 category and 6th in WRC2 Challenger. However, an impact with an "anti-cut" device on the 14th special stage (Kambja 2) damaged the steering arm. This forced him to prioritize repairs simply to reach the service park, preventing him from attacking the stages.

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Today we were able to push, we climbed positions and remained the fastest non-Scandinavian in WRC2; until a blow to an anti-cut damaged a steering arm and forced us to repair just to reach the service without being able to attack.

"Today we were able to push, we climbed positions and remained the fastest non-Scandinavian in WRC2; until a blow to an anti-cut damaged a steering arm and forced us to repair just to reach the service without being able to attack," Zaldívar explained via social media. "Here we are and tomorrow we will try to finish the rally by accelerating. Thanks everyone for the support sent always."

The incident relegated Zaldívar to 16th in WRC2 and 14th in WRC2 Challenger, and 29th overall. The third and final stage on Sunday features two timed special stages in Kääriku, covering a total of 48.7 kilometers. Zaldívar intends to push hard in these final stages to improve his finishing position in the Estonian rally.

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Here we are and tomorrow we will try to finish the rally by accelerating. Thanks everyone for the support sent always.