SS1: Loeb flies in the Spanish dust

Sebastien Loeb’s fears that he would drop time running first on the road through the loose surface gravel on the opening day of RallyRACC-Rally de Espana have proved unfounded after he went fastest on Friday’s opening all-gravel test.

Driving a Citroen DS3 WRC, the seven-time world champion was quickest by 7.4s as hanging dust clouds played havoc for the drivers running behind, despite crews setting off in gaps of three minutes rather than the usual two.

“It’s very slippery and loose,” said Loeb. “I don’t know how much it’s cleaning behind, but the grip for me is very low. I’m quite happy with the set-up. I have to push hard."

Ford driver Mikko Hirvonen, who is equal on points with Loeb in the battle for the world title, is running immediately behind the Frenchman. After going 15.4s slower than Loeb, the Finn said: “There was lots of dust. We went off in one corner, it was a double right hander. I couldn’t see anything in the dust. Luckily we didn’t damage anything on the car.”

Petter Solberg was one of the drivers who suffered more than most in the dust, taking a wheel off his privateer Citroen after reporting to his team that he simply couldn’t see where he was going.

Spaniard Dani Sordo, one of the favourites for a podium finish in his MINI John Cooper Works WRC, said he had to lift off the throttle due to the dust clouds. “All the time I was in the dust, I didn’t see anything. It was impossible,” he said.

Matthew Wilson reported a hefty impact with a rock on the front-left corner of his M-Sport Stobart Fiesta. The Briton also suggested a misfire had developed approximately three kilometres from the stage finish.

Crews are now heading to the mixed-surface Terra Alta test, which goes live at 09:51hrs local time.

Standings after SS1: