Latvala stage win hat trick to end Finland day 3

Today’s final stage is SS18, the 15.3km Horkka test – a repeat of this morning’s SS14. First on the road due to a retirement yesterday was Robert Kubica, who retired again with a roll, almost in sight from the finish – he’ll be disappointed to have made it so far today without incident.

Fastest through was rally leader, Jari-Matti Latvala. That’s his third stage win in a row, and adds another 1.8 seconds to his rally lead overSebastien Ogier. ‘I’m really, really happy with how the afternoon went. I knew this was the time to attack. Even with the rain earlier in Jukojärvi – that was the turning point I think – I had to take risks there.’ he grinned.

Ogier seems understandably disappointed that he wasn’t able to do more to catch Latvala, but remains realistic. ‘We tried. i did what I could. But even if I finish second here it would be great for my championship. I missed my chance earlier today when I thought I had a puncture. Jari-Matti has done a great job. He deserves this position for now.’

Third fastest through the stage was Mads Ostberg, continuing his consistent performance. I wanted to be safe in here but there’s no chance. I hit the first corner so well I just keep on going!’ laughed Mads. Ott Tanak, Elfyn Evans and Thierry Neuville complete the top six.

The overall top six stands as Latvala with a 13.2 second lead over Ogier, with Ostberg a further 1:14.8 down. Neuville is fourth, 1:58.5 down on Mads, but 52.6 seconds up on Tanak and a further half minute up on Martin Prokop.

The crews now head to service, where the mechanics will be allowed 45 minutes getting the cars back up to fighting fitness. There are just two stages tomorrow – the 14.4km Myhinpää section is used twice, the second running of which being the Power Stage. It all begins ag 10:43 local time – our coverage will resume then.

1.	2	J. LATVALA	M. ANTTILA	Volkswagen Motorsport	M	RC1	2:20:20.6
2.	1	S. OGIER	J. INGRASSIA	Volkswagen Motorsport	M	RC1	2:20:33.8	+13.2	+13.2
3.	4	M. OSTBERG	J. ANDERSSON	Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT	M	RC1	2:21:48.6	+1:14.8	+1:28.0
4.	7	T. NEUVILLE	N. GILSOUL	Hyundai Motorsport	M	RC1	2:23:47.1	+1:58.5	+3:26.5
5.	6	O. TANAK	R. MOLDER	M-Sport World Rally team	M	RC1	2:24:39.7	+52.6	+4:19.1
6.	15	J. HANNINEN	T. TUOMINEN	Juho Hanninen		RC1	2:24:41.6	+1.9	+4:21.0
7.	21	M. PROKOP	J. TOMANEK	Jipocar Czech National Team	T	RC1	2:26:01.8	+1:20.2	+5:41.2
8.	8	D. SORDO	M. MARTI	Hyundai Motorsport	M	RC1	2:29:43.1	+3:41.3	+9:22.5
9.	5	E. EVANS	D. BARRITT	M-Sport World Rally Team	M	RC1	2:31:51.2	+2:08.1	+11:30.6
10.	12	K. AL QASSIMI	C. PATTERSON	Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT		RC1	2:35:38.0	+3:46.8	+15:17.4