MILAN, 2 May 2005 — World champion Sebastien Loeb won the Rally of Italy by almost a minute yesterday, allowing him to take the championship lead ahead of Petter Solberg.
Frenchman Loeb went into the race in Sardinia a point behind Norwegian Solberg but, after moving in front on Saturday, he comfortably defended his advantage in yesterday’s third leg.
Subaru’s Solberg finished second with Peugeot’s Finnish driver Marcus Gronholm taking third place.
Loeb won yesterday’s opening stage, the 12-kilometer San Giacomo, a narrow and tricky route which saw Mitsubishi’s Italian driver Gigi Galli eliminated with a broken gearbox.
That win all but tied up victory for Citreon driver Loeb and he was able to defend his advantage despite failing to win in any of the final four legs.
A determined Solberg won the Bortigiadas and San Bachisio legs but still went into the final stage, back at San Giacomo, trailing Loeb by one minute 21 seconds.
Despite victory for the Norwegian as Loeb held back, there was never any chance for him to make up the huge time difference.
