Loeb pulls away as Hirvonen flies

Sebastien Loeb continues to lead the Monte Carlo Rally after the penultimate full day, while a second straight stage win for his new Citroen team-mate Mikko Hirvonen brought the Finn closer to Petter Solberg's third place. This afternoon's action consisted of just the 29-kilometre SS13, after which the field will head down from the World Rally Championship opener's initial base in Valence to Monte Carlo itself, ready for Saturday's afternoon and evening stages, and Sunday's power stage. Loeb drove relatively conservatively through this afternoon's stage, still stretching his lead just a little to complete the leg with a 2m12.4s advantage over Dani Sordo's Mini in second place.

Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt