Loeb extends lead in Rally Ireland

The second day of Rally Ireland was yet another display of domination from rally leader, Sebastien Loeb (Citroen C4 WRC).

The five times World champion has extended his lead over his team mate, Dani Sordo to one minute and 12.2 seconds.

Loeb set five of the six fastest times today, his only blemish came on the repeat of the stage at Sloughan Glen, Stage 12, when his Citroen had a very brief excursion onto the grass.

Mud wedged in the rear wheel of the Citroen caused a vibration and the rally leader backed off for the remainder of the test.

Mikko Hirvonen, in a Ford Focus was quickest through Stage 12, remains in third - 2 minutes and 45.8 seconds off Loeb's time.

Henning Solberg (Ford Focus) punctured on this morning's first stage, but has retained fourth.

However, Citroen Junior Team driver, Chris Atkinson is now only 4.7 seconds behind.

Next up are World Junior champion, Sebastien Ogier in a Citroen and Matthew Wilson in a Ford with Khalid Al Qassimi and Bangor's, Michael Orr, now in the World Championship points frame.

Eamonn Boland is the top Irish driver, his Subaru is ninth followed by Aaron MacHale's Ford Focus in tenth - just over a minute adrift.

Gareth MacHale has dropped to twelfth his Focus developed turbo problems.

Earlier in the day, he had transmission woes and his service crew changed the gearbox in under 17 minutes.

Meanwhile, in Group N, Shaun Gallagher heads the pack, 5.3 in front of Alan Ring also in a Mitsubishi, who experienced an overshoot on this morning's loop of stages.

They are 13th and 15th split by the Subaru of Tim McNulty.

Niall McShea, who started under Super Rally rules today, went off the road on today's final stage.

Alastair Fisher, another to start under Super rally rules crashed his Ford Fiesta ST on his home stage at Ballinamallard.

Tomorrow final leg consists of five stages, including the spectator stage in Donegal town.

1. S. Loeb/D. Elena (Citroen) 2h. 20m. 02.8s.

2. D. Sordo/M. Marti (Citroen) 2h. 21m. 11.9s.

3. M. Hirvonen/J. Lehtinen (Ford Focus) 2h. 22m. 33.7s.

4. H. Solberg/C. Menkerud (Ford Focus) 2h. 26m. 00.2s.

5. C. Atkinson/S. Prévot (Citroen) 2h. 26m. 04.9s.

6. S. Ogier/J. Ingrassia (Citroen) 2h. 29m. 16.2s.

7. M. Wilson/S. Martin (Ford Focus) 2h. 29m. 54.1s.

8. K. Al Qassimi/M. Orr (Ford Focus) 2h. 31m. 52.8s.

9. E. Boland/D. Morrissey (Subaru) 2h. 32m. 43.2s.

10. A. MacHale/K. Duffy (Ford Focus) 2h. 33m. 43.2s.