Motorsport News

Ogier pulls clear of Loeb heading into final day

Ogier pulls clear of Loeb heading into final day

Reigning world champion Ogier extended his lead to 21.1s over nine-time world champion Loeb having started the day 9.9s behind the M-Sport Ford driver.

Ogier moved back into the lead after winning two of the three morning stages before a stunning drive on the day’s last test, in tricky snow, ice and dry conditions, catapulted the eight-time champion into a healthy lead.

M-Sport’s Craig Breen ended the day in third overall, 1m26.0s in arrears, having benefited from a drama-filled day for Elfyn Evans, Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak. A mistake free drive allowed the Irishman haul his Ford Puma into podium positions having started Saturday in sixth.

Hyundai’s Neuville slid down the leaderboard from fourth to sixth after a front right damper issue he was carrying from the morning loop worsened, forcing the Belgian and co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe into making a roadside repair.

Evans remains in the rally but outside the top 10 after his hopes of a podium evaporated following a…

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