Mikko Hirvonen (Ford Fiesta) takes win in rally Australia, and closes on to Sébastien Loeb (Citroën DS3) in the championship's standings.
After Loeb and Ogier went off in the first day, both factory Ford moved up to first and second positions, Hirvonen leading Latvala at the end of day 1. But Hirvonen, who had to open the road on Saturday, could not defend his position and Latvala concluded the second day in front, more than 20 seconds ahead.
Near the end of the rally, Ford decided to use team orders to put Hirvonen back in first position. Latvala slowed down and Hirvonen took victory (his third consecutive win in Australia), and closed on Sébastien Loeb in the championship. Petter Solberg was happy with third place aboard his private Citroen DS3.
Citroën used team orders as well in rally Australia. After Friday’s crashes, Loeb and Ogier were back in the race thanks to super rally regulation. Sébastien Ogier was almost in a points position Saturday evening, as he was standing 11th, while Loeb was only 16th.
But Loeb kept on pushing on Sunday, and was helped by his team who told Ogier to check in late before the penultimate stage, and then to wait in order to let Loeb catch up.
Loeb therefore moved up to 10th, to score one point. He scored three more points after his win in the power stage, but Hirvonen’s win means that the Finn is now only 15 points behind the reigning champion, with three races to go.
Rally Australia – Final standings:
1. Hirvonen-Lehtinen (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) in 3h35’59”0
2. Latvala-Anttila (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 14”7
3. P. Solberg-Patterson (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 44”8
4. Wilson-Martin (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 8’45”2
5. Al-Qassimi-Orr (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 12’33”3
6. Paddon-Kennard (Sybaru Impreza WRX Sti) + 17’29”3
7. Kosciuszko-Szczepaniak (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X) + 19’01”3
8. Salyuk-Cherepin (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) + 21’08”5
9. Guerra-Rozada (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) + 22’48”9
10. Loeb-Elena (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 30’02”9
Etc.
Championship:
1. Loeb 196 points, 2. Hirvonen 181, 3. Ogier 167, 4. Latvala 116, 5. P. Solberg 110, etc.
After Loeb and Ogier went off in the first day, both factory Ford moved up to first and second positions, Hirvonen leading Latvala at the end of day 1. But Hirvonen, who had to open the road on Saturday, could not defend his position and Latvala concluded the second day in front, more than 20 seconds ahead.
Near the end of the rally, Ford decided to use team orders to put Hirvonen back in first position. Latvala slowed down and Hirvonen took victory (his third consecutive win in Australia), and closed on Sébastien Loeb in the championship. Petter Solberg was happy with third place aboard his private Citroen DS3.
Citroën used team orders as well in rally Australia. After Friday’s crashes, Loeb and Ogier were back in the race thanks to super rally regulation. Sébastien Ogier was almost in a points position Saturday evening, as he was standing 11th, while Loeb was only 16th.
But Loeb kept on pushing on Sunday, and was helped by his team who told Ogier to check in late before the penultimate stage, and then to wait in order to let Loeb catch up.
Loeb therefore moved up to 10th, to score one point. He scored three more points after his win in the power stage, but Hirvonen’s win means that the Finn is now only 15 points behind the reigning champion, with three races to go.
Rally Australia – Final standings:
1. Hirvonen-Lehtinen (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) in 3h35’59”0
2. Latvala-Anttila (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 14”7
3. P. Solberg-Patterson (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 44”8
4. Wilson-Martin (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 8’45”2
5. Al-Qassimi-Orr (Ford Fiesta RS Wrc) + 12’33”3
6. Paddon-Kennard (Sybaru Impreza WRX Sti) + 17’29”3
7. Kosciuszko-Szczepaniak (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X) + 19’01”3
8. Salyuk-Cherepin (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) + 21’08”5
9. Guerra-Rozada (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) + 22’48”9
10. Loeb-Elena (Citroen DS3 Wrc) + 30’02”9
Etc.
Championship:
1. Loeb 196 points, 2. Hirvonen 181, 3. Ogier 167, 4. Latvala 116, 5. P. Solberg 110, etc.