Petter pushes for a win in Sweden

Petter Solberg and Chris Patterson are pushing to the limit for a win in Sweden.

Second day in Sweden is completed, and Petter and Chris are still third in the overall classification. Even with a total of 20 seconds penalty, there is only 8,9 seconds between the third and the first place. Petter where given a 10 seconds penalty yesterday for being late out of service, and got another 10 seconds today for checking in to late on SS10 (due to traffic on the road-section).

- I am definitely going for the win now, says Petter Solberg. – I know we still have 6 more stages to go and that anything can happen, but I have to try. Everything has worked out well so far and I get to know both the car and tyres better and better now. Lost some time on the second pass through today, but that was mainly caused by the starting position. For the stages tomorrow, I think my road position is quite good.

Mikko Hirvonen is the overnight leader, while Mads Østberg, yesterdays leader, has now dropped down to second. Sebastien Loeb is sixth.

Rally Sweden continues Sunday with 6 more stages. The last stage is the Power Stage, which is broadcasted live on TV, and also offers extra points counting in the worldchampion-points for the top three drivers.

Overall classification day 2
1. Hirvonen, Ford
2. Østberg, Ford +7,4
3. Petter, Citroën +8,9
4. Latvala, Ford +10,9
5. Ogier, Citroën +15,8
6. Loeb, Citroën +1.42,1
7. Raikkonen, Citroën +5,05,5
8. PG, Ford +5.30,7
9. Sandell, Skoda +7.44,8
10. Wilson, Ford +7.46,2

After stage 14

Petter is on the chase! Just 14,9 seconds behind the top – including the 20 seconds penalty!

After SS11

4 of todays 9 stages are done, with Petter and Chris still in third position. They were quickest through SS9 and 11, and second fastest on SS8 and 11. Hirvonen is now in the lead, while Mads Østberg is second. Henning went off the road on the first stage today, and had to retire. Petter got a 10 second penalty for late check in on one stage.

Overall classification after SS11
1. Hirvonen
2. Østberg +0,3
3. Petter +31,0
4. Latvala +44,3
5. Ogier +1.10,0
6. Loeb +2.43,6
7. PG +4.11,0
8. Sandell +4.19,8
9. Raikkonen +5.22,4
10. Grøndal +7.00,0

Itinerary day 2

Itinerary Saturday 12 February
0800 SS8 Lesjöfors 1 15,00km
0901 SS9 Sågen 1 14,23km
1006 SS10 Fredriksberg 1 18,15km
1108 SS11 Värmullsåsen 1 15,42km
Service Hagfors
1326 SS12 Lesjöfors 2 15,00km
1427 SS13 Sågen 2 14,23km
1532 SS14 Fredriksberg 2 18,15km
1634 SS15 Värmullsåsen 2 15,42km
Service Hagfors
2000 SS16 SSS Karlstad 2 1,90km

Petter third in Sweden

Petter Solberg and Chris Patterson are third after the first day of Rally Sweden is finished. Mads Østberg is the overnight leader, while Mikko Hirvonen is second. Sebastien Loeb is ninth in the overall classification. A lot of snow on the stages, benefitted the late starters today, and did not make it easy for those in front. Petter were also given a 10 seconds penalty for being one minute late in to the time control after the midday service. A last minute adjustment on the rear of the car caused them a delay leaving the servicearea.

- I am very pleased with the day and our third in the overall classification, says Petter Solberg. – Too bad with the 10 second penalty, and the misting problem on the two final stages. I planned to be a bit on the safe side today, as I am still learning to know the car, so I’m actually surprised to finish third. We will do some changes in the set up now, and hopefully go even better tomorrow.

Rally Sweden continues with 9 stages on Saturday. First car will be on the road from 0800.

Overall classification day 1
1. Østberg, Ford
2. Hirvonen, Ford +14,8
3. Petter, Citroën +57,4
4. Latvala, Ford +1.10,0
5. Henning, Ford +1.20,3
6. Ogier, Citroën +1.21,6
7. Sandell, Skoda +2.35,1
8. Brynhildsen, Skoda +2.43,5
9. Loeb, Citroën +2.48,4
10. Al Qassimi +4.12,4

Overall classification after SS4

- Det funker kjempe bra i dag, sier Petter Solberg. – Med all den snøen som er på prøvene betyr startposisjonen kjempe mye, så jeg klager ikke! Jeg ser på linjene til de to foran meg, og ser at det ikke kan være lett. Blir nok annerledes nå på andre gjennomkjøring.

- I am very happy with the day so far, says Petter Solberg. – With all the snow on the stages, your starting position means a lot. Third is good! But guess it will be different on the second loop.

Overall classification after SS4
1. Østberg, Ford
2. Hirvonen, Ford +24,8
3. Petter, Citroën +45,6
4. Latvala, Ford +1.19,8
5. Sandell, Skoda +1.20,0
6. Henning, Ford +1.21,4
7. Brynhildsen, Skoda +1.27,1
8. Ogier, Citroën +1.35,0
9. Loeb, Citroën +1.46,7