Latvala holds on, Loeb second

Sébastien Loeb (Citroen C4 WRC) almost fell behind in just one special stage, during the passage through Jordan River. A special stage renowned as one of the most difficult of the season, it has a 41,45 km course which allows you to widen the gaps. Sébastien Loeb took back more than 20 seconds from the Finnish leader, closing in on 4??7 in the general classification. “It’s a good time,” comments Loeb. I really pushed very hard throughout the special, without making too many mistakes. »

At the same time, Petter Solberg (Citroën C4 WRC) and Dani Sordo (Citroën C4 WRC) continue to control their position in the general classification. The two men want to stay away from the front of the race, so as not to suffer from being swept away in the specials on Saturday, the last day of the race. Rally from Jordan. The Norwegian and the Spaniard are respectively fourth and fifth, while Sébastien Ogier (Citroën C4 WRC) retains third position.

This morning was especially marked by the exit from the track of Mikko Hirvonen (Ford Focus WRC), who broke his left front suspension while hitting after 4,5 km in the first special of the day. The Finn, even starting again on Saturday in the Super Rally, can hope for nothing better than scoring small points. But, beaten in 2009 by one point by Sébastien Loeb, the Ford driver will want to take advantage of the slightest opportunity to capitalize.

For the first places in the general classification, everything will be decided in the special stages of the second loop, and in particular the second passage through Jordan River. The classification at the end of this special will determine the starting order of Saturday's specials, and therefore the victory. There is no doubt that first place will be avoided by most, so as not to sweep the Jordanian roads during the 90 km remaining to be covered on Saturday.