Solberg error gives Latvala fresh hope

The battle for the final podium spot on Rallye de France intensified on Sunday’s second test, when an off road excursion for Petter Solberg allowed Jari-Matti Latvala to take a big step closer to the Norwegian .

Solberg began the 24km stage at the Bitche Camp military proving ground 20.8sec ahead of the chasing Finn, but lost around 10 seconds when he drove his Citroen C4 WRC off the road.

He completed the stage with his car covered in mud but undamaged. “It’s very bad,” said Solberg, “I think Latvala can take a lot of time here.”

Sure enough Latvala was quicker, setting the third fastest time and reducing the gap to Solberg to 14.2 seconds with two stages to go. “We are getting closer,” said Latvala, “But running behind in the road order means there’s more and more mud on the corners and some sections were very, very slippery.”

Citroen Total team drivers Dani Sordo and Sebastien Loeb set the fastest times, with Sordo taking the win by 4.4sec. Heading to Sunday’s midpoint regroup, Loeb’s rally lead stood at 37.8sec.

Overall standings after SS18: