SS12: Hirvonen closes on Sordo

Mikko Hirvonen has edged closer to Dani Sordo in the battle for third position on ADAC Rallye Deutschland. The Ford Fiesta RS WRC driver, who was second fastest, is now 27.4s behind Sordo with two stages of day two remaining.

MINI driver Sordo said: “We lost a lot for now but I don’t know why. We don’t make any mistakes and everything feels well in the car.”

Kris Meeke was 3.5s quicker than team-mate Sordo. “It’s the first stage today that I haven’t made a mistake,” said Meeke. “It’s our third rally and the first time on Tarmac so I have to be quite encouraged. The exciting thing is there’s more to come.”

Out front, stage winner Sebastien Loeb’s lead over Citroen team-mate Sebastien Ogier is now up to 3.4s after Ogier matched a target time set by his team in its efforts to ensure a one-two finish.

Petter Solberg admitted to being more cautious through the stage following his front-right puncture on the previous test. Older brother Henning Solberg completed the stage with a loose steering column in his M-Sport Stobart Fiesta. As a result he is 4.9s behind FERM driver Dennis Kuipers and 2.1s ahead of ninth-placed Kimi Raikkonen.

Jari-Matti Latvala reported a brief off-road moment towards the end of the stage in his factory Fiesta. The Finn was fourth quickest but remains in 10th overall.

Standings after SS12: