Loeb takes control

Defending champion Sebastien Loeb grabbed the initiative in the Portuguese round of the World Rally Championship on the second day.

Frenchman Loeb moved 40.5 seconds ahead as the Citroen driver continued his bid make up ground on title rival Marcus Gronholm.

Finn Gronholm went into the event four points ahead and the BP Ford driver kept Loeb in check on day one before the title holder took control today, making use of an inspired tyre choice to pull away in the rain-hit afternoon.

Loeb won all six of today’s stages to pull clear of Gronholm who heads fellow Finn and team-mate Mikko Hirvonen by one minute and 16 seconds.

With such a large gap over third place, which is occupied by his team-mate, Gronholm’s aim will be to peg back Loeb’s advantage and retain the championship lead on the final day tomorrow.

Cumbria’s Matthew Wilson had been on course for a top-10 spot but hit trouble late in the day and dropped to 13th position.