SS12: Error harms Latvala’s attack

Jari-Matti Latvala has faltered in his bid to catch Sebastien Loeb for the lead of Wales Rally GB after he overshot a junction during Saturday’s opening test.

The Ford driver was 1.1s behind his Citroen rival at the stage start but is now 6.9s adrift in the overall standings when he got into difficulties braking in a particularly slippery section.

“It was a really muddy section and we had to go straight on at an access road,” said Latvala. “The engine stopped and he had to reverse.”

Mads Ostberg was alerted prior to the stage start that Petter Solberg, with whom he was battling for the final podium spot, had failed to start the run after his Citroen suffered a broken fuel pump on the road section heading to the test.

“I struggled to focus through the stage,” said Ostberg. “I took it steady with no risk, I will have to drive with more pace now.”

Ott Tanak continues to impress with the third fastest time on his debut in a new-generation World Rally Car.

Kris Meeke reported a loss of power in his MINI John Cooper Works WRC. He was more than 40 seconds slower than stage winner Loeb as a result.

Ex-Formula One world champion Kimi Raikkonen spun into a ditch but managed to regain the road after considerable delay thanks to the efforts of a number of spectators. However, reports suggest he has now stopped again.