Loeb closes in on title

Mikko Hirvonen held onto the Rally Japan lead on Saturday, but conceded his world championship bid is virtually over after Sebastien Loeb remained on course for crown after holding onto third place.

Finland’s Hirvonen ended the second day in Sapporo 15.5 seconds ahead of BP Ford team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala, who has a 38sec advantage over Citroen Total’s Loeb.