Latvala was slowed down by heavy dust during yesterday’s off-road stages, but cut Loeb’s lead by almost three seconds on Saturday.
“It’s been the best day of my career ever on tarmac to be fighting in Catalunya with Loeb,” Latvala said. “I’ve not been able to catch him so much but I am still pleased with my day. I will pressurize him tomorrow.”
Latvala’s Ford teammate Mikko Hirvonen, who is level with Loeb in the overall standings with just one more race to go, enters tomorrow’s final day 1:51.8 behind.
Loeb is looking for his eighth consecutive win in the event to take the points lead heading into the decisive Wales Rally on Nov. 10-13.
“I have a good feeling and my car is going well,” the Citroen driver said. “I have a good rhythm but I am having to push because Jari-Matti is surprisingly fast on tarmac. My lead should be enough tomorrow if I make no mistake.”
