Bitter Swede exit for Loeb

REIGNING World Rally champion Sebastien Loeb’s hopes of extending his early-season advantage at the top of the standings were ended after he crashed out of the Swedish Rally.

The Frenchman, whose hopes of claiming a fifth world title began with victory in the season-opener in Monte Carlo two weeks ago, rolled his Citroen three kilometres before the end of the 22km special stage four and was eventually forced to retire with a clutch problem.

“I was on a left-hand corner and tucked the front wheel too much into the snow bank,” said Loeb who was competing in his 100th WRC.