Sainz Out of Rally GB

[The Wiz]

Crash ends Sainz's hopes

Carlos Sainz is out of the Wales Rally GB and out of the race for the world rally drivers' crown.

The Spaniard, who is tied on points with Sebastien Loeb but behind on victories, retired from the final event of the season after crashing on stage three on Friday.

Sainz's departure means that this year's world championship will be won by either Citroen team-mate Sebastien Loeb or Subaru's Petter Solberg.

The day started badly for Sainz when part of the television equipment in his car caught fire, forcing him to douse the flames and start the stage 12 minutes late.

Loeb set the quickest time on the first stage of the day, the 23 kilometres of Brechfa, to leapfrog Solberg in the overall standings.

The Frenchman reinforced that good start to the first full day of the rally by stretching his lead on stage three.

Loeb now leads by 3.8secs from Solberg, who is just a point off the championship lead.

Scotsman Colin McRae moved up one place on stage two to seventh, over 26secs off the pace.

Markko Martin's promising start to the rally was threatened by an engine coolant leak, forcing hasty repairs after stage two.

[ferrari355gtb]

Is it on the box tonight ?

[thub]

I was planning on avoiding any results today so I could watch it tonight, but with thread titles like that, what can one do?

[docevi1]

yes, I know what you mean. I was aiming to watch it tonight as well.

It's on ch4 late on, just after midnight IIRC.

[thub]

There's a 7.30 pm prog too.

[Mr E]

That's a pity.

As a GT-Four man I was rooting for El Matador.....

[Mark B]

So is Gronholm and Marko Martin!!

[mutley]

Mark B said:

So is Gronholm and Marko Martin!!

But they are both out. Gronholm with Mechanical problems at Time Control 3A. Martin overheated on SS4. With Sainz out on SS3, All Loeb has to do is coast to the finish.

[Podie]

Did Moya punch his lid through the rear window this year?

[Mark B]

mutley said:

Mark B said: So is Gronholm and Marko Martin!! But they are both out.

That's what I said!

[mutley]

Mark B said:

mutley said: Mark B said: So is Gronholm and Marko Martin!! But they are both out. I realise that now, but your post followed one about roo That's what I said!

I realised that, just as I posted, couldn't be bothered to edit.