SS15: Loeb grabs second

A second successive stage win on Wales Rally GB has moved Sebastien Loeb ahead of Petter Solberg and into second place on round 10 of the FIA World Rally Championship qualifier.

The Citroen driver was 2.1s quicker than Solberg through the first Rheola test to climb 0.7s in front of his Ford-driving rival. “It’s a going a bit better, the grip is better and we changed the set-up of car,” said Loeb. “We were not so fast yesterday, hopefully it will be better today.” Solberg said: “It’s working very well for him, he’s found something extra.”

Mads Ostberg reported the power problem that struck on the previous run has not been cured and continues to slow his Adapta Fiesta. “I’m trying everything I can, we cannot do anything before service so we have to push.”

Mikko Hirvonen said the increased grip offered by the dry stage surface had improved his pace in his Citroen DS3 WRC.

Chris Atkinson confirmed the gearbox issue that developed on stage 14 is being caused by a sensor problem, which means he can’t flat-shift and is not exactly sure what gear he is in due to the indicator no longer working.

Matthew Wilson, who is still being plagued by a misfire, reported struggling to change gear in his M-Sport Fiesta.

Evgeny Novikov has confirmed he won’t be taking any more risks following his costly delay on stage 14, preferring instead to settle for seventh place behind M-Sport team-mate Ott Tanak.