Rees backs Solberg to remain in front

Petter Solberg’s team boss Ken Rees has backed his driver to still be leading the Acropolis Rally at the completion of Saturday’s seven stages.

Solberg, the 2003 world champion, is 51.6s clear of closest challenger Sebastien Loeb heading in to the second day of the demanding gravel rally in Greece, which he will tackle first on the road in his privateer Citroen DS3 WRC.

Rees, who believed a margin of 40 seconds would be sufficient for Solberg to remain in front through day two, said: “Of course it’s a disadvantage going first on the road. But it’s only for 60 kilometres on the first loop before we’re back on to clean roads in the afternoon. Then we have the night stage to take into consideration [when hanging dust clouds could be a factor].

“But we’ve seen running first on the road is not too bad because I don’t think anyone is really driving flat-out as they need to preserve their cars. Once again Petter has proved he’s one of the fastest drivers out there.”

Rees underlined the importance of his driver being at the front after day one. “It’s an important event for us because of the situation we’re in with the championship [down in fifth]. We have many sponsors and guests here and it’s tremendous to be the overnight leader.”

Solberg and co-driver Chris Patterson were fastest on Friday’s opening four stages. At the overnight service halt in Loutraki, the Norwegian said: “It worked out very well during this first day. I don’t care about starting first; I am going to drive flat out. The stages are tough, but I don’t think that road position is going to be a problem.”