World Rally Championship rivals Mikko Hirvonen and Sebastien Loeb enjoyed a thrilling battle for the lead on the first full day of the Rally of Finland.

Sebastien Loeb’s immaculate start to the World Rally Championship continued with victory on the Rally of Portugal, his fourth win out of four events in 2009.

Sebastien Loeb continued his perfect start to the new World Rally Championship season by taking victory on Rally Norway to deal a major blow to Ford’s title hopes.

Sebastien Loeb has a 15-second lead going into the final day of Rally Norway after pulling away from Finnish rival Mikko Hirvonen during today’s seven stages.

Paul McGinley refused to blame the tricky conditions for a disappointing opening round at the Saint-Omer Open today.

Dungannon Swifts will be looking for their first victory of their Setanta Sports Cup campaign when they take on Drogheda United at Stangmore Park tonight, kick-off 8.05pm.

Reigning World Rally champion Sebastien Loeb’s hopes of extending his early-season advantage at the top of the standings were ended after he crashed out of the Swedish Rally.

Finland's Jari-Matti Latvala has been confirmed at the works Ford team for the 2008 World Rally Championship.

Finland’s Mikko Hirvonen secured his second victory of the World Rally Championship season by winning the Rally of Japan.

Marcus Gronholm stands on the verge of a record seventh victory on home soil after a dominant display alongside Ford team-mate Mikko Hirvonen in the Rally Finland on Saturday.

FIA World Rally Championship leader Marcus Gronholm was in imperious form on day one of Rally Finland in Jyvaskyla on Friday.

Drogheda United have been quick off the mark on the transfer scene with the news that they have signed Finnish goalkeeper Mikko Vilmunen.