Loeb’s chances improve as Gronholm slides out

SEBASTIEN LOEB’S prospects of capturing a fourth consecutive world championship improved considerably after leader Marcus Gronholm was forced out of Rally Japan during a dramatic first day in Obihiro.

Defending champion Loeb entered the event four points behind his rival but now has a golden opportunity to erase that deficit after the Finn retired at the end of stage four while leading the race when he left the road and damaged his car’s roll cage on a tree stump.

Although Gronholm was able to make it back to the service area, his BP-Ford was deemed too dangerous to continue driving.