SS22 : Ogier takes Power Stage

Citroen DS3 WRC driver Sebastien Ogier has won the World Rally Championship’s inaugural Power Stage to claim three extra points in the battle for title glory.

However, by completing the stage unscathed, Mikko Hirvonen has won Rally Sweden for the second time in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC following a thrilling finish to the first event of the new season.

The Finn beat Mads Ostberg in the final overall standings by 6.5s with Jari-Matti Larvala completing a Ford podium lockout.

There was drama prior to the start of the stage when Petter Solberg’s navigator Chris Patterson was forced into the driver’ seat of their Citroen DS3 WRC. Solberg committed a speeding offence during the event and his road licence was subsequently suspended, forcing Patterson to drive through the stage.

Monster World Rally Team’s Ken Block was the first driver to tackle the 4.16-kilometre Power Stage, which was shown live on television throughout the world. He said: “That stage was incredible, a lot of fun. I’m glad to be here.”

Standings after SS22: