Jordan: Latvala takes charge

As in Mexico, the positions at the start of the Jordanian specials favor the competitors starting after the first two cars. Thus, Jari-Matti Latvala, Dani Sordo and Petter Solberg are in battle for first place, lining up the best times. Jari-Matti Latvala (Ford Focus WRC) achieved the scratch time in the first two specials, logically taking the lead. Dani Sordo (Citroën C4 WRC), faster in SS3, was able to regain control of the Rally from Jordan to the Finn, before the latter took the lead again at the end of SS4.

Jari-Matti Latvala is only four tenths ahead of Dani Sordo and 1?5 over Petter Solberg (Citroën C4 WRC), third in the general classification and fastest driver in SS4. It is therefore a unique trio fighting for first place and who will perhaps play the strategy card in the afternoon.

Indeed, we remember that Petter Solberg paid dearly for his first position at the end of the first day of the Rally Mexico. On the second day, the Norwegian quickly lost the lead he had gained over Sébastien Loeb due to its position as an opener, having to sweep the fine layer of dust from Mexican roads. This Thursday, during the last special of the day, the three men risk slowing down so as not to inherit first place.

Behind the three men, Sébastien Ogier (Citroën C4 WRC) is in ambush, at 14?? by Jari-Matti Latvala, but the Frenchman does not seem as comfortable as in Mexico. Fifth, Sébastien Loeb (Citroën C4 WRC) lost 21??1 in four special stages, a lesser problem due to his opening position on the Jordanian roads. The six-time World Champion is ahead of Mikko Hirvonen (Ford Focus WRC), who is 6?9 behind the Frenchman, having notably lost time in SS1 due to a spin.