Title-chasing Ogier maintains lead in Spain
Salou (Spain) (AFP) - Sebastien Ogier stayed on course to defend his world title on Friday when he opened up a comfortable lead in the Rally of Spain, the penultimate round of the 2014 championship.
The Volkswagen driver has a 36.6sec lead over teammate Jari-Matti Latvala, the only man who can deprive him of the title, and a 37.2sec advantage on third-placed Mads Ostberg, the Norwegian Citroen DS3 driver.
Ogier went into Spain with a 27-point lead over Latvala in the standings.
The Finn must finish above Ogier, taking at least two more points, to remain in the hunt at the Wales Rally GB next month.
Unlike his error-hit performance on home ground in France last time out, Ogier made the most of his rivals struggling with the dust and poor visibility caused by the low Spanish sun.
Hyundai driver Thierry Neuville had led briefly in the morning but then saw his campaign compromised when his car hit a bank, puncturing the rear right tyre.
Latvala also hit trouble early in the day, losing precious time when his Polo clipped a rock.
