Dimitar Iliev/Yanaki Yanakiev (Skoda Fabia S2000) are leaders after the first loop of stages on Day 2 at Rally Sliven.

The 6-times champion of Bulgarian rally championship was fastest in 3 of the 5 morning stages and has a 19,4 seconds advantage over second Petar Gyoshev/Dimitar Spasov (Peugeot 207 S2000).

Todor Slavov/Dobromir Filipov (Renault Clio RS) holds an impressive third overall and is currently leading the 2WD category. He is 1:32.6 minutes behind the leaders.

Yagiz Avci/Bahadir Gucenmez (Ford Fiesta S2000) is 5 seconds behind Slavov and is on fourth position in the overall standings.

Serious incident by Eitan Halfon/Sedat Bostanci (Ford Fiesta R2) on SS3 Kotel 1 stopped the rally for 40 minutes. The crew was sent to the nearby hospital in Kotel. More news on their condition is expected later today.

"I am happy with the way things are going for us, said current leader Dimitar Iliev.

"We were losing time due to the high temperatures, but then everything was fine again and we could pick up some places. I must admit that we were surprised with the hot weather here in Sliven."

Second-placed Petar Gyoshev is also happy with his result so far.

"The car is going well and luckily for us the damage from yesterday is not that serious. I should make some improvements to my driving and I hope that we will go well", said Gyoshev.

Avici says he does not have problems with his car and that he really likes the rally.

"I met my expectations about this rally and I think we are going well. I am gaining valuable experience so I should be happy."

Leader in the 2WD category Todor Slavov was happy that he was back to action as he missed Rally Bulgaria.

"I am slowly regaining my confidence and I think we can have a good results", said Slavov.