Solberg storms clear of rivals

Subaru’s Petter Solberg has extended his lead in the Rally Japan to 46.4 seconds after dominating the action on the second morning.

The reigning world champion held a 12.7-second cushion overnight after winning four of the nine stages on day one.

And the Norwegian has left his rivals trailing in his wake by taking all five stages run so far today.

“I’ve been pushing a little bit, but when I get a good split time through, I back off,” Solberg said. “The system seems to be working and I think I’m able to judge the pace quite well.

“But, that said, I can’t afford to relax. We’re not going to make any changes. I’m just going to carry on going as we are and keep the speed.”

This year’s world championship leader Sebastien Loeb is in second for Citroen, a further 47 seconds ahead of his main title rival Markko Martin.

Frenchman Loeb is 29 points clear at the top of the table from Ford’s Estonian driver Martin.

Loeb’s Citroen team-mate Carlos Sainz is another 16 seconds adrift in fourth while Marcus Gronholm is in fifth for Peugeot following gearbox problems.