Loeb extends lead after New Zealand victory

World champion Sebastien Loeb won the Rally of New Zealand yesterday to extend his advantage in the world rally championship drivers' standings. The Frenchman finished 17.5 seconds ahead of Citroen team-mate Dani Sordo, with Finland's Mikko Hirvonen in...

World champion Sebastien Loeb won the Rally of New Zealand yesterday to extend his advantage in the world rally championship drivers' standings. The Frenchman finished 17.5 seconds ahead of Citroen team-mate Dani Sordo, with Finland's Mikko Hirvonen in third, 41.5 seconds off the lead. Hirvonen held the lead at one point on the final day but a spin on the penultimate stage put him out of contention. The win was Loeb's third in a row following victories in Finland and Germany. Loeb, who is seeking a fifth successive world title, doubled his lead over Ford rival Hirvonen in the drivers' standings to eight points with four rounds remaining.

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