Record-chaser Loeb sets pace as Sordo slides out

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

VALENCE, France (AFP) — Sebastien Loeb looked set fair for a record fifth win in the Monte Carlo rally after emerging from Saturday's third-day action with a 10.6sec lead over Mikko Hirvonen of Finland.

However, home favourite Loeb, driving a Citroen C4, lost his teammate Dani Sordo, who retired after turbo problems forced him out of the reckoning following the 11th special stage of this, the first leg of the 2008 world championship.

Australian Chris Atkinson lies third in his Subaru Impreza, 3min 02.6 off the pace.

Loeb picked off 10 special stages but Sordo's dream died after he had netted three only to fall victim to technical problems when standing second, a plume of smoke emerging from his vehicle.

Ford's Finnish driver Jari-Matti Latvala, who...