Loeb pounces on Ford misery to eye Argentina victory

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

CORDOBA, Argentina (AFP) — Defending world champion Sebastien Loeb took control of the Rally of Argentina on Friday after Ford Focus rivals Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala hit trouble.

Loeb, looking for a fourth successive victory here, finished the day 1min 30.6sec ahead of Australia's Chris Atkinson in a Subaru with Petter Solberg, in the second Subaru, 1min 38.9sec off the pace.

Hirvonen's Ford was stranded with front suspension damage after hitting a rock on the fifth stage and ended the day back in 23rd place, almost 24 minutes behind the leader.

Hirvonen, who came into the rally with a one-point lead in the world championship, was devastated having built up a commanding 50.8sec in the opening exchanges after winning three of the first four...