Some further problems with his driveshaft forced Latvala to retire from the second stage completely. Under the circumstances, reigning world champion Sebastien Loeb climbed up to second place. However, the Frenchman drove to the limit during SS3 and recuperated more than 15 seconds to Aava, reducing the Estonian's lead in the overall classification to only 6 seconds.
“It's really fantastic, really a dream come true. I have a very good tyre choice, and I think Loeb and Mikko made a mistake (with tires). We have an advantage, it's true, but we have to drive the car. But I don't know how Loeb is going so well with his tires - he must be crazy,” said an enthused-but-yet-worried Aava after SS3.
“The conditions are extremely difficult, and in the first stage there was so much aquaplaning. In these conditions the rally will be very long, so I tried to find a rhythm. In the second one there was better grip, so I was able to use my tires a bit better. I tried hard, and this one was okay,” admitted Loeb after securing the best time in SS3.
Following the leading duo are works drivers Mikko Hirvonen (Ford Focus) and Dani Sordo (Citroen C4). The two are separated by little over 6 seconds, but are continuously losing time to both Loeb and Aava.
Henning Solberg and Conrad Rautenbach were the drivers to climb the overall classification following SS3, as the two are now resting in 5th and 6th place respectively. The Top 8 is completed by two independent drivers, Gareth MacHale (on a Ford Focus) and Eamonn Boland (Subaru Impreza), the only drivers within 2 minutes of leader Aava.
More info to come after SS4 later today...
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