Despite fighting at the lower end of the overall standings, Sébastien Loeb (Citroën DS3) and Robert Kubica (Ford Fiesta) are attracting a lot of attention at the Monte-Carlo rally.
Kubica started Saturday in 28th position, after various problems slowed him down in the two opening days of the event. But he fought back to 13th during the day, with some impressive performances: first in SS10, and second in SS11 and 12.
|
Robert Kubica, Ford Fiesta RS WRC (Photo: WRI2) |
Back under Rally 2 regulations after his Friday crash, Loeb was also very quick, edging Kubica in SS11. This means the nine-time world champion now stands just inside the top-10, in ninth overall.
Deliberately conservative to protect his lead, Sébastien Ogier (VW Polo) lost some ground over his teammate Jari-Matti Latvala. The Finn, however, still has over 40 seconds to make up. In the fight for the last podium spot, Andreas Mikkelsen, in the third Polo, is well clear of Mads Ostberg (Citroën DS3).
So many fans turned up to watch the rally Saturday morning that the organizers were forced to cancel the first specical stage of the day.