SS5 : First stage win for Ogier

Loeb picks up a puncture

Sebastien Ogier has jumped from fifth to third in the overall standings after winning his first stage on the Acropolis Rally.

The Citroen Total World Rally Team star was 1.4s faster than Petter Solberg to end the Norwegian’s run of stage victories.

“It was easier for me to push as this was the second time through the stage,” said Ogier. “But there is so much loose gravel on the next one so I don’t know what will happen.”

Solberg reported making a small mistake towards the end of the stage but was otherwise pleased with his performance. “I still did a good time so I’m happy,” said the Citroen privateer who managed to extend his overall lead to 29.2s with one stage of day one remaining.

Latvala, who trails Solberg in the overall standings in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC, was third fastest through the stage. He said: “It was quite okay. Ogier was driving really well. Honestly I couldn’t do any better on this stage so all the respect for him.”

World champion Sebastien Loeb had been expected to make up some of the time lost running first on the road on the day’s first repeated stage but suffered a front-right puncture instead, dropping to fifth overall in the process.

“I drove for 10 kilometres like that,” he said. “I had a good rhythm at the start then the puncture but I don’t know why. I didn’t feel anything. I couldn’t brake because the tyre was sliding in the rim but in the corner it was okay. For sure I will lose a few seconds but it’s not so bad.”

Standings after SS5 :