SS7 : Ogier climbs to 2nd in Greece

Sebastien Ogier has moved from fourth to second on the Acropolis Rally after winning Saturday’s first stage.

The Citroen driver, running fourth on the road, is now 39.9s behind overnight leader Petter Solberg, who dropped time cleaning the loose surface gravel for the drivers running behind.

“We have to wait all the day but it was not a bad decision [to drop time on Friday and gain a more favourable road position for today],” said Ogier. “Petter is far away in front but there is a long way to go and for sure the road position is a big advantage.”

Solberg, who was seventh fastest, said: “For me it went very good, no mistakes. The road was very loose. I know it will take me a lot of time but let’s hope we are not losing 30 seconds today then it’s possible. I do the best I can.”

Sebastien Loeb was 11.3s faster than Solberg. The works Citroen DS3 WRC driver said: “I was pushing hard but didn’t expect so much. I lost some time cleaning the road but it’s a good start, no problem. Everything is possible.”

Mikko Hirvonen, in a factory Ford Fiesta RS WRC, dropped behind Ogier into fourth overall and admitted he “needed to try” harder to prevent the Frenchman from moving out of reach.

Hirvonen’s team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala, who is fighting to make up for the time lost on day one, said he feared his challenge on day two might be over already after he reached the stage finish with the fourth fastest time. “I think we lost the turbo,” he said. “I think it will be the end of the day if we don’t find a solution.”

Matthew Wilson reported a minor mechanical glitch in his M-Sport Stobart Ford towards the end of the stage. His team-mate, Mads Ostberg, who is restarted this morning under SupeRally regulations, enjoyed better fortune and was third fastest in his Fiesta.

“We changed the ride height and springs and the car is working well,” said Ostberg. “I am able to push.”

Standings after SS7: