Latvala in the lead in Sardinia

Advantaged by his starting position, Jari-Matti Latvala takes the lead of the Sardinia Rally after the first special stage. The Ford driver is ahead of his teammate Mikko Hirvonen and Dani Sordo. Over the first 14,99 kilometers, Sébastien Loeb gives up 7”7.

Published on 22/05/2009 à 10:40

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Dani Sordo, who started second in the service park this morning, started in Sa Conchedda (SS1) behind Mikko Hirvonen. If suspicions of tactics may arise from this maneuver, the Spaniard assures that a turbo problem forced him to be late at the start of the first time trial.

The Citroën driver will receive a thirty-second penalty which will be added to the delay accumulated in this first time (+1??1 on Hirvonen and +3??3 on Latvala).

At Ford, it's satisfaction: “It reminds me of New Zealand last year,” reacts Hirvonen about his departure ahead of Dani Sordo. “We are taking a little time from Sébastien but it is very difficult in these conditions. »

Seventh on the road, Jari-Matti Latvala takes the lead rally in front of Mikko Hirvonen, Sébastien Loeb and Petter Solberg.