13 Feb 2012

Latvala wins Rally Sweden

5:58 am on 13 February 2012

Ford's Jari-Matti Latvala overcame a late puncture to win the Rally of Sweden and make amends for crashing out of the Monte Carlo season-opener on the first day.

The Finn beat compatriot and former team mate Mikko Hirvonen, now with Citroen, by 17 seconds while eight-times world champion Sebastien Loeb finished a distant sixth.

Loeb, winner in Monte Carlo, saw his hopes vanish when he hit a snow bank on the opening day but retained the championship lead by winning the power stage.