SS17: Solberg and Latvala hit trouble

Petter Solberg’s hopes of winning Rally Sweden suffered a setback on Sunday’s opening test as he slipped to more than 20 seconds adrift of leader Mikko Hirvonen.

The 2003 world champion, who was 8.9s behind Hirvonen overnight, complained of hanging snow dust during the stage in his Citroen DS3 WRC. “There was a lot of snow in the air and it was very difficult to see in some places. Maybe it’s better to be first on the road. I tried anyway.”

Hirvonen, driving a Ford Fiesta RS WRC, set a rapid pace on the stage to increase his lead over second-placed Mads Ostberg to 10 seconds.

Jari-Matti Latvala was also in trouble losing some 20 seconds after hitting a snow bank, which tore the front bumper from his Ford Fiesta RS WRC. “We went a bit wide and hit the snow bank, we’ve been struggling to keep the windscreen clear. It’s the problem with the snow dust, it’s very difficult.”

As a result Latvala has slipped to fifth overall behind Sebastien Ogier, who completed the stage nursing a front-right puncture on his Citroen DS3 WRC. “It’s the same goal for me, no risk at all,” said Ogier. “Visibility has been a problem.”

PG Andersson set the fourth fastest time to demote Kimi Raikkonen to eighth overall despite a misted windscreen restricting his vision in his Fiesta.

Patrik Sandell was late starting the stage after his mechanics had to change his Skoda Fabia’s gearbox in first service. He has picked up one minute in time penalties.

Standings after SS17: