SS20: Latvala fastest as puncture slows Loeb

Sebastien Loeb continues to lead the Acropolis Rally despite stopping to change a punctured tyre on his Citroen DS3 WRC after approximately three kilometres.

Loeb was more than two minutes in front starting the run but his delay means his margin ahead of team-mate Mikko Hirvonen has been slashed to 40s.

“I had a puncture, I don’t know where,” said Loeb. “It was on the rear left after three kilometres and I said to Daniel ‘puncture’ so we decided to change immediately the wheel because it would be impossible to finish without breaking anything. After we pushed. I knew I had a good lead and could do it safely without taking a big risk so that’s what we have done.”

Jari-Matti Latvala was fastest through the stage in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC, 4.8s quicker than Mads Ostberg. Ott Tanak was third fastest with Thierry Neuville fourth and Mikko Hirvonen fifth. Loeb was 1m38.2s off the pace.

There are reports that Production Car World Rally Championship leader Nicolas Fuchs is losing time in his Symtech Racing Subaru Impreza.

Several drivers reported conserving their tyres through the stage ahead of the event-closing Power Stage.