SS21: Hirvonen quickest to narrow lead

Mikko Hirvonen has carved into Jari-Matti Latvala’s overall lead, narrowing his Ford team-mate’s advantage to 5.4s on Sunday’s opening stage.

Hirvonen began the final day of Rally Australia trailing Latvala by 22.7s but has reduced that margin to 17.3s in the battle for victory on the world championship qualifier.

“That’s a scary stage, bloody hell it’s so fast,” said Hirvonen, at the wheel of a Fiesta RS WRC. “We set a good time, I’m coming flat out but it’s not enjoyable.”

Petter Solberg, in third overall in his Citroen and the biggest threat to the leading factory Ford drivers, was 2.2s slower than Hirvonen. “I’m pushing but it’s difficult to take a lot of time,” said the Norwegian privateer. “I was on the limit quite a lot, but that was really good fun.”

Latvala, who is running first on the road and cleaning a path through the loose gravel, said: “The beginning was slippery but towards the end of the stage the grip was getting better.”

Team Abu Dhabi’s Khalid Al Qassimi has vowed to push despite holding a comfortable fifth place overall. “You have to drive, it’s about keeping a level head and the balance right,” said Al Qassimi, who is heading for a WRC-career personal best.

Evgeny Novikov said low-lying sun had restricted his vision in his M-Sport Stobart Fiesta. Coupled with a lack of confidence with his pace notes, the Russian said he was too cautious as a result.

Sebastien Ogier is continuing his risk-free strategy, despite maintaining his bid to break into the top 10 in his factory Citroen. He was third fastest. Team-mate Sebastien Loeb he opted for caution after encountering a muddy section on his way to the fifth quickest time.

M-Sport Stobart’s Henning Solberg has restarted under SupeRally regulations following his exit on Saturday afternoon with an electrical failure. “It’s difficult to find the motivation but I try to find the rhythm,” he said. “I try to come back.”