Duo in fight for supremacy in Rally of Finland

World Rally Championship rivals Mikko Hirvonen and Sebastien Loeb enjoyed a thrilling battle for the lead on the first full day of the Rally of Finland.

Citroen driver Loeb, the defending world champion, had held the overnight lead after the opening run through the Killeri super special on Thursday evening, but was forced to give best to Hirvonen as the Ford driver secured four stage wins today, Loeb picking up five, to open up a narrow lead of 3.3 seconds.