Loeb sets pace in pursuit of his world crown

(EPA)

Sébastien Loeb tears through the Welsh countryside outside Cardiff in his Citroën C4 during the opening leg of the Rally of Great Britain. The Frenchman won four of yesterday's six stages to lead by 5.3 seconds after day one.

Loeb is chasing his sixth straight World Rally Championship title and went into the final race of the campaign a point behind Mikko Hirvonen. Victory would see Loeb pip the Finn, who lies second after winning stage four and sharing the final two. 'It's really difficult, but really exciting,' said the 35-year-old Loeb. 'I'm quite happy and we're in front at the moment.' The rally continues today with an opening 35km (22 miles) stage through the Rhondda.