Engine problem stops Ogier

Sebastien Ogier was robbed of a podium on Rally Poland on Sunday, when he was forced to retire from the event with just two 'proper' stages left to go.

The Frenchman, who took a confidence boosting second place in Greece earlier this month, was running in front of the Solberg brothers following a good battle over the course of the eighth round in the championship.

However he was unable to capitalise on all of his hard work, as he was forced out in SS16, the repeat-run through the 27.07 kilometre Milki test, due to engine problems.

It was a bitter blow for the youngster, especially as he had a 16.9 second cushion over Henning, who eventually finished in third.

"We lost power and decided to stop in order not to damage the engine further," said Ogier.

"I am very disappointed that our rally has ended this way [especially as we were running so well up the order], but I think we have shown our capabilities well over the last three days.

"Our learning curve continues and we are building up more and more experience with each rally. I believe we can draw a positive conclusion from this event."

Ogier's Citroen Junior Team colleagues, Conrad Rautenbach and Evegny Novikov meanwhile came in eighth and ninth respectively, the latter finishing under the SupeRally after an off on the opening day.

Summing up the weekend, Citroen Junior Team manager, Benoit Nogier reckoned there was much to be upbeat about.

Indeed Rautenbach and Novikov would have both finished one place higher, but they were ordered to slow to help Sebastien Loeb and the Citroen Total WRT.

"S?bastien Ogier managed to get past both the Solberg brothers before a turbo problem prevented him from finishing the rally and going for the third place that he deserved. Nonetheless, it was an excellent performance from him and a good confirmation of his pace in Greece," added Nogier.

"Evgeny enjoyed himself throughout the weekend and underlined his talent once more too. His speed was clear to see.

"Conrad also drove a fault-free event and scored a point [after Latvala's accident in SS18]."