WRC: Second win in a row for Ogier in Portugal

Sebastien Ogier has redeemed himself from his crash in the Rally of Mexico in the beginning of the month and won for the second year in a row the Rally of Portugal.

In Portugal Citroën made a one-two finish, with world champion Sebastien Loeb taking runner-up spot. Jari-Matti Latvala and Mikko Hirvonen’s Fords had to settle for third and fourth places.

During the first half of the rally there had been no incidents with any of the four front-runners, until Hirvonen suffered a puncture on Saturday morning, while Loeb lost time running in his dust after the Ford rejoined. Later in the day Latvala was slowed down because of a driveshaft breakage, with his team-mate Hirvonen being affected by suspension and driveshaft problems.

Althogh he had a slow start, Ogier always looked a likely winner, even before the problems that slowed down his rivals. He even got into the lead on Friday, but in a strategic move calmed his rhythm and dropped to fourth in order to have a better road position for Saturday.

His strategy paid-off and Ogier recovered the lead from Latvala prior to the Ford's problem. Then Citroën cruised on Saturday to finish in the top two spots.

"I'm very happy with a perfect weekend," said Ogier. "I want to dedicate this victory to all the team because they prepared a perfect car and they trusted me even after the mistake in Mexico. This is the best way to come back."

After the third round of the World Rally championship Loeb is sharing the championship lead with Hirvonen, after guaranteeing three extra points for being quickest on the rally-ending 'power stage'.

"I'm very happy with that. When I saw the rain this morning I didn't think I'd be fast in this one, but the conditions were not so bad, so I thought 'okay, I have to try'," said Loeb.