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WRC: Loeb and Ogier began Rally Catalunya battle

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Khatir Soltani
Sébastien Loeb (Citroen C4) leads Rally Catalunya after day 1, but Sebastien Ogier (Citroen C4) pushed hard behind the multiple world champion.

Sébastien Loeb is already crowned since his last win in Rallye de France, but the frenchman keeps on pushing hard and he dominated his rivals in the first day of Rally Catalunya, which is ran on a mixed surface asphalt / gravel. Loeb concluded the first day in the lead, with three special stages wins.

Sébastien Ogier (Citroen C4) clinched two special stages win, and finished the day only 3,8 seconds behind his leader. Both men set the pace in the first day in Spain, and looked to be ready for a tough duel this week-end. Jari-Matti Latvala (Ford Focus) was not far behind both frenchman on Friday morning, but the Finn finally finished the day almost 20 seconds behind Loeb.

Petter Solberg (Citroen C4) took ESS2 win, and is aiming a battle for the podium with Latvala. Hirvonen (Ford Focus) stands in 5th position, while Dani Sordo (Citroen C4) had a disapointing first day on his own ground, as the spanish driver is only 6th, almost one minute behind his team mate.


Rally Catalunya – Classification after day 1

1. Loeb-Elena (Citroen C4) in 1h25’26’’8
2. Ogier-Ingrassa (Citroen C4) + 3’’8
3. Latvala-Anttila (Ford Focus) + 19’’9
4. Solberg-Mills (Citroen C4) + 22’’4
5. Hirvonen-Lehtinen (Ford Focus) + 42’’4
6. Sordo-Vallejo (Citroen C4) + 54’’7
7. Wilson-Martin (Ford Focus) + 2’46’’9
8. Villagra-Perez Companc (Ford Focus) + 3’21’’2
etc.


Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
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  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada