SS17: Loeb can’t stop flying Latvala

Ford driver pulling clear in battle for Wales Rally GB glory

Sebastien Loeb says he’s powerless to halt Jari-Matti Latvala’s progress on Wales Rally GB following the completion of Saturday’s final stage, Myherin.

Loeb started Saturday afternoon’s loop of three stages 1.1s in front of Latvala but trails the Finn by 6.1s heading to the day’s final service halt in Builth Wells after Latvala went fastest on today’s three closing stages.

“It’s going really well and tomorrow morning I need to wake up with a very clean head,” said factory Ford driver Latvala. “I have got a good confidence and I’m so hungry for the victory.”

Citroen driver Loeb said: “I cannot do anything. Maybe he’s much better than me or maybe we are cleaning a bit but I did the perfect stage. If you watch on the video you can find no mistake anywhere. We have to continue, anything is possible.”

Mads Ostberg continues to be hampered by an engine glitch but maintains third place ahead of Henning Solberg. MINI WRC Team’s Kris Meeke has pulled clear of Matthew Wilson in the battle for fifth after Wilson reported an off-road moment near the stage start in his M-Sport Stobart Fiesta.

Ott Tanak was late starting the stage and completed the run more than 50 seconds slower than Latvala in his privateer Fiesta.