Oliver Solberg keeps Chile Rally lead into final day

Oliver Solberg will carry the Rally Chile lead into Sunday’s closing stages after extending his advantage during Saturday’s six-stage programme. The Swedish driver remains in control of the event, with Elfyn Evans and Sébastien Ogier still within reach before the finish.

Solberg’s margin over Evans, which stood at about 10 seconds after the opening day, grew to 19 seconds by the end of Saturday. Ogier moved ahead of Adrien Fourmaux early in the day and reduced the gap to Solberg to fewer than 10 seconds, but the leader responded with the fastest time on the ninth special stage. That run gave him almost 11 seconds on Ogier and restored his cushion.

The battle for the remaining podium places changed several times. Fourmaux briefly moved back ahead of Ogier, before the nine-time world champion regained third during the afternoon loop. Ogier finished the day just over 20 seconds behind Solberg, while Fourmaux was less than 11 seconds further back.

Sami Pajari is fifth, about 55 seconds from the podium, despite arriving in Chile after three consecutive victories in Estonia, Finland and Paraguay. Evans’ position also strengthens his standing with two rallies still remaining this season, although he must first overturn Solberg’s advantage on the final day.