Loeb continues title charge in Germany

Sebastien Loeb of France leads Rally of Germany after opening day Loeb is battling second-placed Mikko Hirvonen of Finland for the title Loeb's Citroen teammate Dani Sordo is in third place TRIER, Germany (AP) -- Sebastien Loeb of France led the Rally of Germany after the opening day on Friday in his bid for a seventh straight victory on the Mosel vineyards roads. The Citroen driver opened a 19.9-second lead over world rally championship leader Mikko Hirvonen, despite the Finn not being considered a top contender on asphalt in his Ford. "For sure Mikko is going very well and I've had to push very hard," said Loeb, a four-time world champion. "This afternoon I've been on the limit all the time and it's been difficult to increase the gap. It was possible on the first loop, but on the second he was going well everywhere. "But... [read full story]