SS12: Ogier claims fifth stage victory

Sebastien Ogier has extended his lead of the Acropolis Rally to 15.1s after going fastest through the repeat of the Kefalari stage.

He was 3.8s quicker than Citroen team-mate Sebastien Loeb and admitted to going on maximum attack in his efforts to stay in front. “We tried very hard on this one and the time is not bad,” said Ogier.

Jari-Matti Latvala was second fastest in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC as he continues to recover the time lost earlier in the rally. “It was going alright but it was hard on this stage because I didn’t drive it in the morning at the right pace and I don’t remember where you can go flat out.”

Loeb was third fastest with Mikko Hirvonen fourth quickest in his Fiesta. “There is still one stage to go so there is a small chance to catch the boys in front,” he said.

Erstwhile leader Petter Solberg set the fifth best time in his privateer Citroen DS3 WRC. “That was very loose compared to the other one,” said Solberg, who is now 22.6s adrift of first place. “I’m pushing very, very hard. The two last stages I have been absolutely on it. I don’t want to loose too much to Ogier for tomorrow.”

Russian ace Evgeny Novikov failed to start the stage after his Fiesta suffered a broken alternator belt.

Crews are now returning to service in Loutraki prior to the day’s final stage, the 17.71-kilometre Nea Politia test, which will be run under the cover of darkness.

Standings after SS12 :