SS8: Ogier moves into second with fastest time

Sebastien Ogier has taken his first stage win of Rally Argentina with the fastest time through Saturday’s opening mixed-surface test. As a result the Frenchman moves into second place in the overall standings.

Event leader Jari-Matti Latvala reported a “big moment” nearing the end of the stage in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC. He said: “It was on a long left, which tightened more than I expected but I managed just to keep it on the road and not hit this stone wall.”

Petter Solberg began day two 18.2s adrift of Latvala in second place but lost precious time when he spun close to the start of the stage. His delay enabled Sebastien Ogier, who was fastest through the stage, to charge into second place in his factory Citroen DS3 WRC.

“We had a spin at the start of the stage, it was not perfect,” said the Norwegian, who was 5.7s slower than Latvala. “I tried to make a set-up for the Tarmac but that’s how it is.”

Ogier said: “I prefer this Tarmac section because it’s more easy to know where you can cut. It’s a different risk than yesterday and I prefer the stages today so for sure I’m going to push.”

Mikko Hirvonen reported “sliding way too much” on the 14-kilometre Tarmac section aboard his Fiesta RS WRC.

Sebastien Loeb, in fifth overall following his one-minute time penalty on Friday, opted to run used tyres on his Citroen in the hope he would be faster on the Tarmac. However, it resulted in the world champion losing too much time on the gravel roads at the start of the stage and he was unable to make an impact.

Standings after SS8: