Jari-Matti Latvala [BP Ford Abu Dhabi WRT]:
"It's an amazing feeling. I had a good road position and knew I would benefit but I've also felt really confident with the Focus. I enjoyed some good times last year but this is right up there as being one of the best days in my rallying career. It's a surprise to be leading by so much and the afternoon went better than I expected. I've learned how to drive in these difficult conditions. I had a few tricky moments this morning when I was too sideways and my heart was beating hard, but this afternoon I had to keep the car in the ruts like a train on a track. Conditions weren't easy for me this morning so they must have been much more difficult for the first starters."
Mikko Hirvonen [BP Ford Abu Dhabi WRT]:
"Jari-Matti has driven superbly and I'm not surprised he is leading, but I am surprised at the gap between us. Of course, I would like to win but I'm not going to take any risks or make stupid mistakes in chasing him. I've not enjoyed a clear driving line all day. This morning I had the snow, and this afternoon I was first in the start order over roads on which the driving line was changed by cars further down the order on the first pass. Conditions were tricky with slush, water and gravel this afternoon. I even had mud on my windscreen and that's strange on a winter rally!
"Pirelli's tyres worked well and despite the conditions, stud retention wasn't a problem. I just tried to keep the car in the ruts and drive steadily. I'm glad the day is behind me and looking forward to tomorrow when conditions should be more even for all the front-runners."
