Citroën drivers put on the pressure

Sébastien Loeb was the fastest in the 3,19 km of Ruuhimaki, posting a time of 1:35:7. The seven-time World Champion is six tenths ahead of his teammate Sébastien Ogier, while Jari-Matti Latvala is the first Ford driver in third position (+0??9). Mikko Hirvonen (Ford) is only eighth at 1??7 from the first stage behind Kimi Räikkönen.

The reigning Champion will once again open the road for the three stages of the first stage and will attack so as not to lose too much time on the competition. “The feeling is pretty good and the times are following”, comments Sébastien Loeb after the shakedown. “It’s proof that the car is efficient but the Finns will be formidable from the start of the rally. The objective is to score points, if possible big points? We will attack at the start of the race and then we will see. Tonight's three stages will give us an idea of ​​each person's potential. By riding in first position, I have no other alternative than to ride as hard as possible. »

Sébastien Ogier also does not hide his ambitions for victory after winning the Acropolis Rally. “I feel good in the Citroën DS3 WRC on this ground », admits the Frenchman. “The shakedown was quite short but representative of what we will encounter on the rally. We will know a lot more when the rally starts this afternoon. We will do our best to try to play for victory. I really like this route. You will have to be at full strength to compete with the local drivers. »

The start of the Rally Finland will be at 16:13 p.m. with the Lankamaa special stage.