Loeb Maintains Monte Carlo Rally Lead

Topics:  Sebastien Loeb, Rally of Monte Carlo

VOA Sports
January 26, 2008

Four-time World Rally Champion driver Sebastien Loeb of France remains on course for a record fifth title at the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally, after winning four of Saturday's six special stages.

Loeb, in a Citroën, has a 2:10.6 second lead over Finland's Mikko Hirvonen in a Ford Focus. Australian Chris Atkinson is third in a Subaru Impreza - 3:02.6 seconds behind the Frenchman.

Loeb lost his teammate, Dani Sordo of Spain, who had to retire Saturday because of turbo problems in his Citroën.

More than 50,000 people lined the route in the southern French town of Valence. The rally concludes with five stages Sunday, including a stage on the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP.