Loeb leads after mixed opener

Despite voicing concerns before the rally about the road cleaning effect on Friday’s stages, Citroen team leader Sebastien Loeb completed the opening test 2.7sec quicker than anybody else to take the early lead of Rally de Espana.

The recently crowned drivers’ champion was first through the 34km gravel and asphalt test in his C4 WRC and reported that road conditions weren’t as loose as he had feared. “It was a bit humid and maybe that helped, but I was flat out too. I have nothing to lose - this isn’t like fighting for the championship,” he added.

Ford driver Jari-Matti Latvala was Loeb’s nearest rival, despite reporting a stall on the start line, loose gravel on the asphalt sections and difficulty finding a comfortable driving rhythm on the alternating surface.

Citroen Junior team driver Sebastien Ogier was third quickest in a time 4.4sec slower than Latvala’s. At the finish control, Ogier was not happy with the amount of grip his C4 was getting in the conditions. “I have the wrong set-up, I must speak to my engineers,” he said.

In similar cars, Citroen privateer Petter Solberg and Dani Sordo seemed to have similar problems. Sordo, one of the pre-event favorites for victory this weekend, was fifth fastest. “I need more grip. That was a really bad stage,” he said.

Solberg said: “I tried but there’s no traction. That’s it. I’m not sure why but I have to do something.” He was sixth fastest, 20.5sec slower than Loeb.

Munchi’s World Rally Team driver Federico Villagra lost time through the stage after hitting a rock and bending a steering arm. The Argentinean completed the stage 1min 14sec slower than Loeb.

Overall standings after SS1: