Loeb takes lead of Rally Germany

Published Aug. 24, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Eight-time world champion Sebastien Loeb dominated the opening day of Rally Germany, claiming four of the opening six stages for Citroen.

The Frenchman, chasing his ninth overall victory in the race, holds a 20.4-second lead over Ford driver Petter Solberg.

Ford's Jari-Matti Latvala, who won the other two stages Friday, is another 9 seconds back in third.

Thierry Neuville of Belgium finished fourth, while Spanish driver Dani Sordo set the third-fastest time in the final stage to move to fifth ahead of Finland's Mikko Hirvonen.

Loeb, who is bidding for his ninth straight world title, leads the overall standings with 171 points ahead of Hirvonen at 128.

Six stages are scheduled to take place Saturday before the final three Sunday.