Loeb in control as Gronholm crashes out of Rally of Great Britain

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2004

CARIDFF (AFP) — Overnight leader Sebastien Loeb responded to the challenge of Norway's Petter Solberg by extending his lead during the Rally of Great Britain.

The Frenchman increased his advantage Saturday on Subaru Impreza-driver Solberg from 8.4 to 17.02 seconds as Finland's Marcus Gronholm crashed out in the rain during the second stage of 12th round of the 16-race world championship series.

Gronholm lost the tyre of his Peugeot 307 after being forced off the road by slippery and muddy conditions as he attacked from the front during the 13.3km ninth special stage.

The Finnish driver had been sitting third behind Citroen driver Loeb, the world champions leader, and reigning world champion Solberg.

In the previous SS8, the first of the day, Gronholm...