Sebastien Loeb continues to lead the way in the Rally of Spain, despite a concerted attack by Jari-Matti Latvala on Day 2.
The Citroen driver lost just three seconds of his 30.6s lead across the day’s stages and appears destined to take the outright points lead in the World Rally Championship with just one more round remaining.
“I have a good feeling and my car is going well,” said Loeb.
“I have a good rhythm but I am having to push because Jari-Matti is surprisingly fast on tarmac. My lead should be enough tomorrow if I make no mistake.”
While unable to make major inroads into Loeb’s lead, Latvala was delighted with his speed.
“It’s been the best day of my career ever on tarmac to be fighting in Catalunya with Loeb,” said Latvala of his performance.
“I’ve not been able to catch him so much but I am still pleased for my day. I will pressurise him tomorrow.”
Loeb’s main championship rival Mikko Hirvonen had a disappointing day, falling further behind the two leaders while coming into the clutches of Dani Sordo in the lead Mini. The pair will enter the final day just 37.4s apart.
Citroen’s second driver Sebastien Ogier continues to hold down a comfortable fifth place, while Kris Meeke (Mini), Mads Ostberg (Stobart Ford), Henning Solberg (Stobart Ford), Evgeny Novikov (CRT Citroen) and Matthew Wilson (Stobart Ford) round out the top 10.
