SS15: Loeb flies on Power Stage rehearsal

Sebastien Loeb marked himself out as the favourite to win the event-closing Power Stage when he set the fastest time on the first Coll de la Teixeta run, which will be used for the live television spectacular when it’s repeated later today.

“I tried to do a good stage to see how it’s working [for the Power Stage later],” said Citroen driver Loeb. “The feeling was not bad but with a few little mistakes. We have to correct it.”

With the Power Stage offering bonus points for the fastest three drivers, the results could be crucial in the outcome of the world championship battle between Loeb and Ford’s Mikko Hirvonen.

“I tried soft [compound tyres] in the front for the Power Stage but didn’t work out,” said Hirvonen, who was 3.2s slower than Loeb. “At least we know now.”

Jari-Matti Latvala wasn’t entirely happy with his performance in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC and is now 31.1s behind Loeb. Of the time lost to the Frenchman, Finn Latvala said: “It was a bit too much actually. I thought I was driving well but I started to understeer in some places.”

Dani Sordo reported a problem with the steering of his MINI John Cooper Works WRC, while Sebastien Ogier said the rear of his Citroen DS3 WRC was stepping out under braking on a handful of occasions.

Standings after SS15: