Rally GB: Loeb off to a good start

Sébastien Loeb (Citroën C4) does not want to miss its appointment with History. After eleven Rallies in 2009, it was during the British event, the last round of the season, that the awarding of the world title was decided. From Sébastien Loeb or Mikko Hirvonen (Ford Focus), the driver who precedes the other will be crowned. For the moment, the Frenchman is off to an ideal start.

However, Mikko Hirvonen, who leads the way ahead of the Frenchman, remains on pace with his rival. Behind the two men, the other pilots are already far, very far away. From SS1, Sébastien Loeb completed a first and long effective special, taking the lead of the Rally with a second and seven tenths ahead of the Finn.

If Mikko Hirvonen keeps the pace in SS1, this is not the case for his teammate, Jari-Matti Latvala, victim of a broken driveshaft, and who quickly says goodbye to a victory in Wales .

In SS2, the shortest special of this Rally (5,13 km), Sébastien Loeb still managed to gain a few tenths more on his rival, pushed back to two seconds and nine tenths in the general classification. “ We were too hesitant in the first special, and probably too careful in the second, but it's not too bad », Commented the Finn at the end of SS2.

During SS3, Sébastien Loeb continued to impress, setting his third scratch time of the morning, relegating Mikko Hirvonen to eight seconds and nine tenths in the general classification. “ Difficult and very slippery conditions but it's still OK », Commented the Frenchman in the middle of the stage.

Behind the two men, the gap is made. Dani Sordo (Citroën C4), 27??7 behind the leader, has a few tenths ahead of Petter Solberg (Citroën C4, +31??1). Sébasiten Ogier (Citroën C4) is further away (+1?10??0).

The same loop of three stages awaits the drivers in the afternoon, with a start from SS4 scheduled for 14:31 p.m. (French time).