Daniel Sordo remains third, despite not scoring after being excluded in Japan, while
Mikko Hirvonen stays fourth, but increases his tally to 33.
In the Manufacturers' series, Kronos Citroen saw their 15 point cushion reduced to 12 following
BP Ford's 2-3 finish.
In other news between the events, the biggest announcement came from
Citroen, who confirmed that Daniel Sordo will drive their second car in 2007, when they return to the series in an official capacity with the all-new C4. Sordo will team up with
Sebastien Loeb, who returns to the 'factory' team.
"Since last year, a lot of my dreams have come true - this one is the most fantastic though," said Sordo, when asked about the announcement. "[Citroen team boss] Guy Frequelin has decided to trust me, just like some have done before him with the RACC, Carlos Sainz, my Spanish sponsors, Marc van Dalen and all the Kronos team. Now, I need to do my best and work even harder from the Cyprus Rally to deserve the trust of all those people. To be part of the best team with Sebastien is even better for me to learn and progress. What he achieved in Japan is incredible, isn’t it?"
The organisers of the Rally Ireland meanwhile have announced that their event will have a super special stage, when it joins the WRC schedule next season. Rally Norway - which like Ireland is a new event for 2007, has also confirmed plans for their maiden event in the WRC, having released details of the full route, which will see the round encompass 18 tests - 344 competitive kilometres.
News from the Manufacturers' teams:
Manufacturer 1.
Kronos Total Citroen:
[Sebastien Loeb, car #1 and
Daniel Sordo, car #2]
Sebastien Loeb could clinch his third world title in Cyprus on Sunday,
providing the results fall his way. The Frenchman currently leads Marcus Gronholm, his nearest rival by 33 points, so if Seb concludes the event and extends his lead to 40 points or more, with only four more events to go after it, mathematically it will be impossible for the Finn to beat him. While it is a long shot, as Loeb will need to win or finish second, with Gronholm failing to score if Seb is second or only finishing sixth or below if Loeb wins, it is a possibility.
