TRIER, Germany, 27 July 2003 — Last year’s winner Sebastien Loeb led the Rally of Germany after the second day yesterday but faced a strong challenge from world champion Marcus Gronholm for final victory.
Frenchman Loeb, in a Citroen, was a slim 5.5 seconds ahead of Finn Gronholm in his Peugeot before the three-day event’s last six timed stages today.
Ford driver Markko Martin of Estonia, who briefly enjoyed the lead on Friday before dropping back with gearbox trouble, staged a remarkable comeback with fastest times for five of the day’s nine runs.
Martin, who ended the first day in 10th position, moved up to third, 34.8 seconds off the pace and one spot above Briton Colin McRae, in a Citroen.
McRae’s compatriot, Richard Burns, the overnight leader, struggled with his choice of tyres on a rainy day with a mixture of wet and dry asphalt and seriously undermined his chances of winning his first rally of the year.
The world championship leader ended the day in fifth place, 48.8 seconds behind the leader and with virtually no chance of winning.
Loeb, who underlined his skills on rough terrain by winning this year’s Monte Carlo Rally, mastered constantly changing surfaces and levels of grip to move in front.
