World champion Loeb takes control

WORLD champion Sebastien Loeb blitzed the opposition on home turf yesterday to take an early stranglehold on the Tour of Corsica.

The Citroen driver, who sealed his second world title in Japan last time out, won all four stages to establish a 41.3-second advantage.

This weekend’s rally is also the home event for Citroen and they signalled their intent to clinch the manufacturers’ title with a dominant display.

Francois Duval backed up team-mate Loeb with three runners-up spots to move into second overall.

With two rallies to go they lead Peugeot by 22 points and, with just 36 on offer after this weekend, that battle could conclude this weekend.

Toni Gardemeister enjoyed a consistent opening day for Ford to hold third spot, 16.4secs down on Duval.