SS6 : Lead battle intensifies in Portugal

Jari-Matti Latvala has narrowed Sebastien Ogier’s overall lead of Vodafone Rally de Portugal after winning the sixth stage of the world championship counter.

Latvala, in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC, was 1.4 seconds quicker than Sebastien Loeb through the stage to narrow Ogier’s advantage to 1.8s with one stage of day one remaining.

“The grip is quite good as long as you stay in the clean lines, otherwise it is very slippery,” said Latvala after completing the stage.

Citroen driver Ogier put his slight time loss down to his decision to preserve his Michelin tyres after of the final stage of the afternoon loop. “I did not attack in this one to save my tyres,” he said.

Loeb complained that his Citroen DS3 WRC understeered in the stage, adding: “I am not happy with the set-up, we need to find a solution.”

Petter Solberg was third fastest through the stage, despite conceding that he is having to save his tyres following his puncture on stage five, which has left him with one spare tyre Friday’s last test.

[Standings after SS6: