SS9: Puncture slows Solberg in Germany

Petter Solberg’s efforts to land a top five finish on ADAC Rallye Deutschland have suffered a setback after the Norwegian’s privateer Citroen DS3 WRC picked up a front puncture.

As a result, the 2003 world champion has slipped to sixth position 28.5s behind MINI John Cooper Works WRC driver Kris Meeke.

At the completion of day one’s stages, Solberg said: “This is the first Tarmac event with the new car. We are the fastest privateer and fighting with works cars.”

Sebastien Loeb has increased his lead over Sebastien Ogier to 7.1s by recording the fastest time through the 15.23-kilometre test. Ogier was second fastest with Mikko Hirvonen third quickest in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

Standings after SS9: