Loeb closing in on Monte Carlo win

Nine-time world rally champion Sebastien Loeb of France won two of three stages Friday to extend his overall lead on the third day of the Monte Carlo Rally.

Loeb, competing in one of only four races this season after going into semi-retirement, has won six of the past seven Monte Carlo Rallies. The Citroen driver leads countryman Sebastien Ogier by 1 minute, 47.4 seconds.

Loeb won stages one and three to add 13 seconds to his overnight lead over Ogier, who also drives a Citroen.

Norway's Mads Ostberg won the other stage of the day.

The 38-year-old Loeb won't secure a 10th straight world title because he'll only race in Sweden, Argentina and France this year.