SS8: Sordo takes the lead

A MINI is leading a world championship rally for the first time after Dani Sordo shot ahead of Citroen privateer Petter Solberg with the fastest time on Friday’s final stage of Rallye de France Alsace.

Sordo was fastest by 0.8s through the stage and now leads Solberg by 1.0s heading into the second day of the event. Sebastien Ogier, who had been out front at the start of the afternoon loop in his factory Citroen, is now 2.8s behind Sordo.

“I’m really, really happy,” said the Spaniard. “We have been working so hard for this and now we’re in a good place. There are still two days [to go] but today has been really good. To be leading Citroen at home is very nice.”

Solberg, who moved in front on stage seven, said: “There was so much gravel in some parts, it’s very tricky. I did a mistake in one corner. I was using used tyres to keep my new tyres for the last day. It’s hard work some times but I am trying hard.”

Ogier reported a recurrence of the power issue that had hampered him on the previous run: “There is not the power as usual, we can be faster than that,” said Ogier. “I lose time all the time. It’s not okay.”

Jari-Matti Latvala was second fastest in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC and has closed on fourth-placed Kris Meeke as a result. Meeke, in the second factory MINI, lost time with a spin.

Standings after SS8: