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The Today's News

Loeb takes big lead on 1st day of Rally Germany

Sebastien Loeb dominated the opening day of Rally Germany, claiming four of the opening six stages. Eight-time world champion Sebastien Loeb dominated the opening day of Rally Germany, claiming four of the opening six stages for Citroen.   The Frenchman, chasing his ninth overall victory in the race, holds a 20.4 second lead over Ford driver Petter Solberg of Norway.   Ford s Jari-Matti Latvala, who won the other two stages on Friday, is a further 9 seconds back in third.   Thierry Neuville of Belgium finished fourth, while Spanish driver Dani Sordo set the third quickest time in the final stage to move fifth ahead of Finland s Mikko Hirvonen.   Loeb, who is bidding for his ninth straight world title, leads the overall standings with 171 points, ahead of Hirvonen on 128. "I am pushing hard because I am feeling comfortable in the car," Loeb said.   Six stages are scheduled to take place on Saturday before the final three on Sunday.   Loeb asserted his authority from the outset, claiming the first three stages to establish a 13.1 second lead over Solberg.   "I was careful at the start because it was muddy under the trees and I didn t want to make a mistake. When it was dry I pushed a bit harder, but it was difficult," Loeb said.   Latvala then indicated he would stiffen up his suspension to suit the dry conditions, and the changes paid off. The Finn outpaced Loeb by 1.8 seconds in the fourth stage to close within 3.2 seconds of second-place Solberg.   "It s good but I have to say I can t push anymore," Latvala said. "Now I just need to be smart."   Loeb extended his overall lead to 18 seconds by taking the fifth, before Latvala repeated his earlier feat to claim the day s final stage.   "You just need to keep pushing if you want to fight with him," Latvala said.