SS22: Ogier fastest as Meeke closes on third
Fight for final podium place to go down to the wire in Wales
Kris Meeke has set up a thrilling fight for the last podium spot on the final stage of Wales Rally GB by slashing Henning Solberg’s advantage to a slender 1.8s on the 22.73-kilometre Crychan stage.
The MINI WRC Team ace has been on sensational form on day four of the World Rally Championship qualifier, which he began by trailing the M-Sport Stobart driver by 45.0s, and set the third fastest time through the event’s penultimate stage.
However, with just a 4.36-kilometre test - the Power Stage - remaining Meeke will have to be at his attacking best if he is to beat Solberg for third place.
Sebastien Ogier was fastest through the stage in his Citroen DS3 WRC, 4.2s quicker than rally leader Jari-Matti Latvala, whose lead over fellow Ford Fiesta RS WRC driver Mads Ostberg is now 3m41.0s.
The Power Stage, the repeat of the 4.36-kilometre Monument test, gets underway at 12:11hrs local time and will be shown live on television around the world.