Rally GB leaders
The Wales Rally GB, and the WRC drivers' title, has distilled into a straight battle between Petter Solberg and Sebastien Loeb after the first day's running in the Welsh forests. Meanwhile, Tommi Makinen runs in third in his final WRC event before retirement
Here's what the top three had to say in the end of day press conference.
Solberg: "A lot of things have happened today. I respected today. I tried not to make too many mistakes and end the day close to Sebastien, or maybe just in front. It seems to have worked out okay. There have been very difficult conditions on parts of the stages. I think it's been a very good fight, and I think it's going to stay like that until Sunday."
Loeb: "Sure, it's very important for Citroen to win the manufacturers' title but it's also important to fight for the drivers' title. I cannot take all the risks to try and catch Petter, but I think it's important to keep a good rhythm and my concentration. It's easier to make a mistake when you slow down and lose concentration. I think I'll try to continue on this rhythm, try to put a little bit of pressure on Petter, and we'll see."
Loeb: "Yes, for sure it helped me but we also had tyre problems. We used a compound that was too soft, and the tyre had no grip in the front at the end of the stage, so I lost a bit of time too, but that's okay. We'll see tomorrow."
Makinen: "Yeah, and I don't believe that they don't push flat out!"
Makinen: "It's been an enjoyable day. The first two stages in the morning were very, very tricky, but after that it's been very, very nice fast stages, sunny day, really enjoyable."
Makinen: "Well, Colin is not far behind me. For the last stage I tried a little bit harder tyre compound which was not so good, but it provided important information for tomorrow. So tomorrow morning I try to go flat out and keep Colin behind."
Loeb: "Tomorrow I think will be a big fight again between Petter and me. We'll try to push and try to stay on the road, and we'll see tomorrow evening."
Solberg: "I think it's difficult to do that these days. It's going to be like this for the next few years. I think we're going to see lots of big fights in the future. That's what television wants, and that's what we're giving you."
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