Loeb profits as Gronholm crashes

Sebastian Loeb boosted his hopes of a fourth straight world title after championship leader Marcus Gronholm crashed in the Japan Rally yesterday. Loeb, who can overtake Gronholm in the drivers' standings if he finishes fourth or higher in Japan,...

Sebastian Loeb boosted his hopes of a fourth straight world title after championship leader Marcus Gronholm crashed in the Japan Rally yesterday.

Loeb, who can overtake Gronholm in the drivers' standings if he finishes fourth or higher in Japan, finished a wet opening day second overall behind Finn Mikko Hirvonen's Ford.

Gronholm's title hopes suffered a blow when he lost control of his Ford at a fast left turn during the fourth stage, sliding down a bank before crashing into a tree.

Even if mechanics can repair the damage to the roll-cage inside the driver's door before today's second leg, the time penalties for missing six stages would leave the Finn way back.

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