SS18: More drama as Loeb retakes second

Sebastien Loeb will start Wales Rally GB’s Power Stage with a 0.1s advantage in the battle for second place. Loeb was 0.4s faster than Solberg to move in front by one-tenth of a second with one 15.33-kilometre stage remaining.

“It’s really difficult and I can’t go any faster,” said Loeb. Solberg added: “It was very interesting in that stage. I understeered at the last corner. I have to keep pushing.”

Jari-Matti Latvala continues to lead the FIA World Rally Championship. He was 0.3s slower than Loeb through the stage. His margin out front stands at 28.1.s

Mikko Hirvonen edged Mads Ostberg by 1.6s but the gap between the pair starting the final stage will be 21.6s starting the final stage in Ostberg’s favour.

With M-Sport team-mate Ott Tanak retiring on the previous stage, Evgeny Novikov said he was no longer taking any risks as he looks to consolidate sixth overall.

Thierry Neuville was sixth fastest for the Citroen Junior World Rally Team with Matthew Wilson, the leading British driver, eighth quickest in his M-Sport Fiesta.

A light drizzle made the stage more slippery in places than on the first run.