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Jan
17th

Rally: Sebastien Loeb still in the lead at Monte Carlo

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Sebastien Loeb (Citroen DS3) concluded the second day of the Rally Monte Carlo with more than one minute and a half ahead of Sébastien Ogier's Volkswagen Polo R WRC.

The nine-time World Rally Champion increased by 15 seconds his lead over his closest rival on Thursday. Although he opened the way and was forced to clean the road sometimes in very snowy and slippery conditions, the Frenchman was able to take two stage wins, after Ogier was quickest of the opening stage of the day.

Sébastien Ogier, VW Polo R
Sébastien Ogier, VW Polo R (Photo: WRI2)

Dani Sordo (Citroen DS3) now stands third in the provisional standings. However the Spaniard is under pressure from Evgeny Novikov, who had a brillant second day in his Ford Fiesta Rwith two stage wins. Novikov moved up from 6th to 4th, and is now targeting a podium finish.

Meanwhile, Mikko Hirvonen had a tough day. The No.1 Citroen driver struggled during the second day, dropping down from third to 5th in the rankings, 3m22 behind Loeb.

Jari-Matti Latvala could not do better in the second Polo WRC, and today stands in 6th position, ahead of his fellow countryman Juho Hanninen, who posted his very first WRC stage win in ESS9 in his Ford Fiesta.

Team Ford M-Sport number one driver Mads Ostberg was still struggling in this opening round of the season. The Norwegian driver was only 9th on Thursday evening, and could not match the pace of his teammates, Novikov and Hanninen.

Classification after day 2 :
1. Loeb / Elena (Citroën DS3 WRC) 3h16'29''1

2. Ogier / Ingrassia (VW Polo R WRC) +1'35''0

3. Sordo / Del Barrio (Citroën DS3 WRC) +2'38''0

4. Novikov / Minor (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +2'53''2

5. Hirvonen / Lehtinen (Citroën DS3 WRC) +3'22''7

6. Latvala / Anttila (VW Polo R WRC) +3'43''2

7. Hanninen / Tuominen (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +4'11''3
8. Bouffier / Panseri (Citroën DS3 WRC) +5'45''8
9. Ostberg / Andersson (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +5'49''5

etc.

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