SS11: Four out of four for flying Finn

Rallye de France-Alsace leader Jari-Matti Latvala extended his winning run during today’s second leg by claiming his fourth consecutive stage victory through the second pass of Vallée de Munster.

He was quickest by 1.9sec from Volkswagen Polo R colleague Sébastien Ogier, and with nearest rival Andreas Mikkelsen 5.4sec down, the Finn extended his lead to 20.2sec.

“I changed the set-up a little bit and the car was slightly nervous on the bumps but on the smooth sections it was really good,” said Latvala.

Mikkelsen felt his car’s suspension was too soft and the Norwegian planned to stiffen the settings ahead of the next test.

The four-car battle for fourth tightened further as Mikko Hirvonen closed on his rivals ahead with fifth fastest time in his Ford Fiesta RS. Less than 14sec cover the quartet, with fifth-placed Robert Kubica also closing on Dani Sordo in front.

“That felt, really, really good,” said Hirvonen. “I made a perfect start to the stage and I hope I can keep that pace going,” said the Finn.

Elfyn Evans spun his Fiesta RS but the Welshman retained eighth ahead of Bryan Bouffier.