Once the domain of brave Nordic pilots only, the Neste Oil Rally of Finland was won by the defending WRC champion Sébastien Loeb for a third time this weekend. He’s now extended his championship lead to such an extent that a ninth consecutive WRC title might be a mere formality.
Frenchman Loeb and co-driver Daniel Elena managed to lead from start to finish, despite a very hard charge from Finnish team-mates Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen, who finished just 6,1 seconds behind. Ford’s Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila took the last podium position.
“I didn’t come here especially to win, I came for points because it’s very difficult to beat the Finnish drivers. It was a great fight with Mikko (Hirvonen), a one-two for Citroën is great for the (manufacturer’s) championship,” said a satisfied Loeb after the rally.
That Loeb was clearly more relaxed toward the end of the event was clear during the power stage, as Hirvonen and Ford’s Petter Solberg (who eventually finished fourth) bested the eight-time champion to score more bonus points. Mads Ostberg (Adapta World Rally Team) and Ott Tanak (M-Sport World Rally Team) finished fourth and fifth respectively.
With arguably the most difficult challenge of the season now behind him, Loeb can look forward to four asphalt events, which suit him to a tee. A ninth title could very well be awaiting well before the end of the 2012 season. The ADAC Rallye Deutschland happens from 24-26 August.
Standings
Driver’s Championship
1. Sébastien Loeb – 171 points
2. Mikko Hirvonen – 128
3. Petter Solberg – 104
4. Mads Ostberg – 90
5. Jari-Matti Latvala – 69
6. Evgeny Novikov – 55
7. Martin Prokop – 38
8. Thierry Neuvill – 32
Manufacturer’s championship
1. Citroën Total World Rally Team – 280 points
2. Ford World Rally Team – 171
3. M-Sport World Rally Team – 115
4. Qatar World Rally Team – 49
5. Citroën Junior World Rally Team – 48
