Sébastien Ogier at the end of the suspense

Sébastien Ogier imposes itself on the rally from Jordan after a final day full of suspense. The Gapençais also earned three bonus points from the PowerStage and returned to third place in the world championship.

If we could easily imagine that Sébatien Ogier would have difficulty maintaining the lead of the Jordan rally with his opening position, no one would have bet on a comeback from Jari-Matti Latvala. The Ford driver was 33??1 behind Sébastien Ogier yesterday.

A gap that is ultimately quite small and which will soon be reduced. Today, it was a very offensive Jari-Matti Latvala who started the final day. The Finn showed unfailing consistency. Second of the first four special stages, he won the following three (SS17, SS18 and SS19). Sébasien Ogier's advance is like snow in the sun. However, the Gapençais held on and lost command by only 0??5. The PowerStage finally decides between the two men: Sébastien Ogier takes the lead by 0”2.

Third in the rally, Sébastien Loeb who had decided to attack today finally let Ogier and Latvala fight. As a great sage, the Alsatian watched the battle from a distance without taking unnecessary risks. He secures a third and big points which allow him to take the lead in the world championship.

As for Petter Solberg, firmly in fourth position, he ended the rally in SS17 following an accident. Clearly, the Norwegian has still not warded off fate. He doesn't score any points today, his title hopes are gone.

Matthew Wilson and Kimi Räikkönnen finished 5th and 6th respectively behind Mikko Hirvonen.

Find the full report of the Jordan Rally in the next issue of AUTOhebdo on sale at all newsstands.