Loeb loses rally lead on SS9

A puncture on Saturday’s second test cost Sebastien Loeb more than 30 seconds and the lead of the Acropolis Rally of Greece.

Loeb dropped to second place, 19.4 seconds adrift of the new rally leader - his Total Citroen team-mate Dani Sordo.

Loeb, who is the first driver through Saturday’s stages, said he collected the puncture six kilometers from the start and slowed his pace to preserve the rubber.

“We did 10 kilometers with no air in it, so we tried to be careful from then on,” said Loeb. “But we are still here, still second, so it’s okay. This afternoon should be okay, but I hope I don’t lose any more time.”