Latvala hits the front as leaders slow

Jari-Matti Latvala moved into the lead of the Rally New Zealand heading into the final day after Mikko Hirvonen and Sebastien Loeb eased off the power during today’s penultimate leg.

The BP Ford driver climbed from third to first as team-mate Hirvonen and reigning world champion Loeb backed off to avoid being first on the road for tomorrow’s stages.

Hirvonen sits second overall and will start the final leg 9.3 seconds behind Latvala, while Loeb is 13.3secs off the leader in his Citroen.

Latvala, who won his maiden WRC event in Sweden at the start of the year, believes he can drive around the problem of being the first to tackle the loose gravel surfaces during tomorrow’s decisive stages.

“I was expecting to be third after today but in the end we made a team decision to push for the lead,” said Latvala.

“I think if you’re mentally strong and don’t think about it too much you can still go fast as first car.

“Of course winning would be great – it’s been six months since Sweden – but I think everything will be open until the last minute.”

Hirvonen started the second day in the lead by 27 seconds, but that advantage was eroded by Loeb as the Finn cleared the loose gravel on the road.

The Frenchman hit the front late in the day and took a four-second lead in the penultimate stage before backing off to allow the Ford pair through.

“There was so much loose gravel that we lost traction in all the acceleration and braking points,” said Hirvonen.

“I didn’t have any plan – I just had to wait and see what everybody else did. But we came through, we’re still second and the difference between the first three cars is not so big.

“My road position is okay – maybe Loeb’s is better – but I think it’s going to be a good fight tomorrow.”

Loeb admitted he was reluctant to back off but insisted that while the rules stipulate the race leader must be first on track, the tactic of easing off will remain a necessary evil.

Loeb’s team-mate Dani Sordo sits in fourth place, just 15.7 seconds behind Latvala.