Solberg sees lead reduced

Marcus Gronholm and Markko Martin closed the gap on overall leader Petter Solberg when finishing first and second on Stage 15 of the Rally New Zealand this morning.

Peugeot’s Gronholm came home 2.1 seconds ahead of Ford driver Martin, with Solberg a further 5.6 seconds back in fifth for Subaru.

That left the Norwegian with a 15.8seconds advantage over Finland’s Gronholm and 18.7secs clear of Estonia’s Martin.

There are two more stages left today followed by a further six tomorrow.