Changes pay off for Loeb

The reigning World Champion was only fourth after SS3, and over 30 seconds behind the dominant Solberg, but set-up changes in the lunchtime service break allowed Loeb to set the pace on two of the three afternoon stages. He has now closed to within 11.7 seconds of Solberg, and has advanced to third following Marcus Gronholm's SS4 accident.

"We changed the settings on the car and also we don't have to clean the road like this morning, so that's a lot better for me," said Loeb. "The feeling is now much better. We try to fight as hard as possible. We did three very good stages."

Loeb's first target is second placed Mikko Hirvonen, who is 8.1 seconds ahead of the Citroen but endured a stressful afternoon.

"I'm so lucky to be here, I was so scared the car would break," said Hirvonen. "We have something loose in the front, I don't know what it is but it's making a hell of a noise. But it's not getting any worse."

The cars have now returned to service prior to the Nextel Superspecial that concludes Friday's action.