SS16: Solberg closes on Sordo

A second fastest stage time in succession has propelled Petter Solberg ever closer to second-placed Dani Sordo on Rallye Monte-Carlo.

Meanwhile, a spin for Mikko Hirvonen has all but ended his chances of snatching a podium finish on the opening event of the World Rally Championship season.

Solberg took 15m45.5s to complete the stage in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC. He is now 30.8s behind Sordo’s MINI John Cooper Works WRC with two stages remaining.

“It was very good, no major problems at all,” said Solberg. “I took it a little careful on the downhill with no risk. It was a fantastic stage and it was a dream feeling.”

Dani Sordo, who was 9.1s adrift of Solberg’s pace, said his decision to use a soft compound tyre resulted in a few handling issues nearing the stage finish. However, the MINI WRC Team driver said he was more satisfied than he was after the first run through the stage this afternoon.

“I’m quite satisfied,” said Sordo. “The feeling with the car was good, the tyre was a little too soft and the car was moving a lot but it wasn’t bad and I’m happy.”

Hirvonen, who was 13.5s slower than Solberg through the stage after dropping nine seconds with a spin in his Citroen DS3 WRC, said: “We spun at the start of the stage and I lost the rhythm. It was a first-gear corner and the tyres were a bit cold. It was a stupid mistake.”

Event leader Sebastien Loeb said he relished the atmosphere created by the thousands of fans watching on the stage. The eight-time world champion was second fastest, 2.2s slower than Solberg to lead overall by 2m37.6s.

“It was a very good stage, very good condition and nearly dry,” said Loeb. “It was a real pleasure to drive and there was a great atmosphere with a lot of spectators. I really enjoyed it.”

With the powersteering problem on his M-Sport Fiesta cured at service in Monaco, Francois Delecour set the third fastest time, 4.5s slower than Solberg.