Ford's unexpected win in Australia creates new interest in the season. The Block Ford pictured.
Photos courtesy of Citroën Communication, Abu Dhabi World Rally Team, Ford Motor Company, BMW Press, Rally Australia – Media
For Loeb, the weekend was almost a washout. But he did earn three points for the special stages.
Petter Solberg finished a credible third overall in Australia in the Citroen.
Al Qassimi experiences a round of very hot brakes.
Evgeny Novikov/Denis Giraudet airborne in the Ford Fiesta.
Oliveira in the Mini looked promising but failed to finish.
Both Ogier and Loeb were eliminated by accidents. Here is Ogier before shunt.
Van-Merksteijn in the Citroen. He too would fail to complete the rally.
Hirvonen won the first day and gained enough points to finish ahead of Latvala for the overall win.
Loeb and Elena will have to wait for the next Rally in France to regain their composure.