18/7/08
Defending World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb has won the 2008 Rally d’Italia – Sardegna – and with it his 40th WRC victory.
The Total Citroen team driver negotiated Sunday’s short final stage without incident to complete the event with an overall lead of 10.6sec. A maximum 10 championship points gives him a new total of 40 and keeps him second in the 2008 title contest.
“It’s been a difficult rally but we’re here!” said Loeb at the finish. “I’ve had to push all the way for this result, but it was important for me to get good points. Mikko will still lead the championship, but okay, I’m happy – and of course win number 40 is nice for me.”
Mikko Hirvonen was second for the BP-Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team and maintains his lead of the drivers’ championship with a total of 43 points. His advantage over Loeb was reduced, however, from five points to three. “I’m happy with second, especially after such a slow start on Friday,” said Hirvonen. “Jari-Matti pushed me all the way to the end – so it was close. Now I have to find a solution to improving my speed when I’m running first through the stages – because it’s going to be a similar situation in Greece.”
Jari-Matti Latvala took the final podium place after an incredible recovery from 14th place on Friday. Latvala, who led the rally after SS1, dropped 1min 30sec on SS2 when his car hit a bank and lost a tyre. “On Friday I would have been happy to finish fifth – so third is fantastic!” said Latvala. “I had a very good day on Saturday and a good fight today too, but in the end we made the decision that it would be second for Mikko and third for me. It’s important for me to get some points because I haven’t done so well on the last two rallies. This has been a good confidence boost ahead of Greece.” Six championship points for Latvala puts him fourth in the title battle with a new total of 24.
Gigi Galli was fourth for the Stobart VK M-Sport Ford team and was another man to recover well after problems on the opening day. “After three days I need a shower and a good plate of pasta!” Galli said at the finish. “Okay we lost a little bit on the first day but we were also lucky because we could carry on. I’m pleased to do something well and get some points for the team. I’m also pleased to do it in front of my own people.” Galli holds sixth in the drivers’ championship with 17 points.
Dani Sordo rounded off the top five in the second Total Citroen C4 WRC. “It’s not been my best rally on gravel, but I’m happy, said Sordo. “I have good confidence for the next round in Greece, however, so I’m looking forward to it.” Four drivers’ championship points for Sordo keeps him fifth in the contest with a total of 21.
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