Latvala keeps control, Citroën returns

The dual Loeb-Hirvonen was expected, it was ultimately Jari-Matti Latvala (Ford Focus) and Sébastien Ogier (Citroën C4) who are competing for first place in the ranking of Rally from Australia after the first day of the event. The Finn, formidable on the tracks of the island continent, achieved the scratch time in six special stages (SS3, ES7, ES8, ES10, ES11, ES13), with Sébastien Ogier distinguishing himself in the super specials of Murwillumbah, where he took the best time each time (SS1, SS2, SS14, SS15). After thirteen of the fifteen special stages contested – two events having been canceled due to environmental protests – Jari-Matti Latvala maintains the advantage with a short lead over the young Frenchman (+2??2).

Around twenty seconds behind the two men, Sébastien Loeb (Citroën C4) inherits third place, a ranking obtained thanks to a better time in the last two sections of the day. But the five-time world champion only has a very slim lead over Dani Sordo (Citroën C4, +0??1) and Mikko Hirvonen (Ford Focus, +0??9).

During the last two special stages this Friday, in the town of Murwillumbah, Citroën was able to demonstrate the effectiveness of its tire strategy. After the afternoon specials, contested on the gravel of the Australian tracks, Sébastien Loeb nevertheless doubted this strategy, consisting of using more worn tires to then take the advantage on the asphalt of Murwillumbah. During these two passes, Loeb and Ogier were able to test the effectiveness of the approach, the two Sébastiens grabbing a few precious tenths from their rivals. In SS14 as in SS15, the Citroën Junior Team driver dominated his elder brother.

If Sébastien Loeb moved up to third place in the general classification thanks to his performance at the end of the day, he will however start in fifth position in the special stages contested on Saturday. The starting order was decided based on the general classification after SS13. Saturday, ten stages are on the program, including a double pass, again, in the streets of Murwillumbah to conclude the day.