Loeb close to hat-trick

Reigning world champion Sebastien Loeb edged closer to his third-successive rally victory as he ended day one of the Cyprus Rally at the top of the leader board.

The Citroen driver dominated the first leg and has over a two-minute advantage from surprise second-placed driver Manfred Stohl, who is in a privately run Citroen, overnight after winning five of the day’s six stages.