Ogier slashes Loeb’s lead

A maximum push from second placed Sebastien Ogier on the repeated 34km Terra Alta stage enabled him to slash the gap to rally leader Sebastien Loeb from 11.9sec to just 3.4sec.

With the earlier fog giving way to bright sunshine, conditions were hot and dry as drivers attacked the mixed surface stage for the second time.

On a racing line swept by the whole 45-car field, times were noticeably faster on the repeat and Ogier’s winning time was more than 40 seconds better than his earlier attempt.

“The feeling was much better this time and I had better grip,” said Ogier.

Asked if he thought he could catch Loeb before the end of the day, Ogier replied: “I don’t know. I will push to the maximum and see.”

Ford Focus driver Jari-Matti Latvala got nearest to Ogier’s time. The Finn was 3.6sec slower and reported that his tyres had started to go off in the closing kilometres. He maintained third place overall, just 4.8sec behind Ogier.

Petter Solberg was third fastest with Loeb, reporting lots of loose gravel on the road, fourth. Mikko Hirvonen rounded off the top five times.

Overall standings after SS4: