Loeb Takes Risks To Lead In Norway

Finn Jari-Matti Latvala (Ford) was 26.2 seconds behind Loeb in third place, with Spain`s Dani Sordo (Citroen) fourth.

Loeb, bidding for a sixth consecutive world championship title this season, trailed Hirvonen for most of the day as the Ford driver led from the fourth to the eighth stage.

Hirvonen then lost time through the Kirkenaer course and ended up 2.6 seconds off the pace.

"It's really good fun to drive on these roads and have a real fight like this," said Citroen's Loeb.

"I pushed hard, took some risks sometimes, but we're here okay and in a good position for tomorrow."

Hirvonen said: "My rear tyres are completely finished. We had a lot more wear than the Citroens.

"This is definitely not what I wanted. Now we have a lot to make up."

Hirvonen was the winner of the only previous Norwegian Rally in 2007.

Finn Jari-Matti Latvala (Ford) was 26.2 seconds behind Loeb in third place, with Spain's Dani Sordo (Citroen) fourth.