Sebastien Loeb fastest in qualifying, opts for top of the “grid”

Citroën’s ace is only interested in top spots in Argentina (even if just in qualifying and starting order!), after failing to finish in Portugal Loeb is determined to retake lead of the championship and claim (yet another) victory in Argentina. In order to do that he will need to endure not only long stages but quite possibly harsh weather conditions. No biggie for Loeb, he started the day with top time in qualifying, beating Mikko Hirvonen by 7 tenths while Dani Sordo was fastest of the two Fords.

Top spot in qualifying meant Loeb got to choose starting position for tomorrow’s day one of the rally first – and he did it be selecting top spot of the starting grid. Obviously, Loeb will be hoping for rain, but with Mikko Hirvonen starting second and followed by Ford’s duo of Petter Solberg and Dani Sordo (in that order), it’s hardly going to make that big of a difference.

Despite Argentina being a gravel rally, heavy rain removed the usual benefit factor from the lower starting positions, hence there are no podium hopefuls near the bottom of the start list.

Before the action starts tomorrow crews will get their first chance to shine later this evening with superspecial stage in La Paz.

Starting order for Day 1:

1. Sebastien Loeb
2. Mikko Hirvonen
3. Petter Solberg
4. Dani Sordo
5. Thierry Neuville
6. Mads Ostberg
7. Ott Tanak
8. Evgeny Novikov
9. Nasser Al-Attiyah
10. Martin Prokop
11. Armindo Araujo
12. Daniel Oliveira
13. Paulo Nobre
14. Eliseo Salazar

);