SS4: Latvala takes control

At the end of the first “real” special, 22 kilometers long, the first stage of the Rally of Australia seems to work to the advantage of the Fords. Jari-Matti Latvala took command at Sébastien Ogier, who had a superb start to the rally by setting two best times in the Murwillumbah urban super special. Best time this special, Mikko Hirvonen took 3rd place from Sébastien Loeb, who declared himself uncomfortable with his settings upon the arrival of SS4.