Lucky Loeb extends lead after NZ victory

WELLINGTON: Frenchman Sebastien Loeb edged closer to a fifth consecutive World Rally Championship title when he stormed to victory in the Rally of New Zealand yesterday.

Loeb was heading towards a minor placing but had had a slice of luck on the penultimate stage when the two drivers ahead of him - Ford pair Jari-Matti Latvala and Mikko Hirvonen - both spun out.

The mishaps allowed Loeb to lead home a Citroen one-two with Spanish teammate Dani Sordo finishing 17.5 seconds behind the Frenchman. Hirvonen was third, 41.5 seconds behind Loeb.