Nov 08: Petter Solberg is closing in on his first world championship after edging further ahead of title rival Sebastien Loeb on day three of the Wales Rally GB. The Subaru driver, who trails Loeb by just a point in the drivers' standings, posted the fastest time for the fourth successive stage to increase his lead over the Frenchman to almost 25 seconds.
Solberg added another 4.4 seconds following the 18.5km stage 11.
Colin McRae, who is chasing third spot in the championship, had his charge halted by rival Tommi Makinen.
The four-time world champion held off the Briton to take his advantage back to 12 seconds after it had been reduced to just nine earlier in the day.
Earlier in the day, Loeb had to settle for second spot following the first two stages on the day three.
Solberg performed out of his skin to extend his advantage first to 12 seconds and then to 14.7 seconds.
By the time the 10th stage was completed - a repeat of day's opening test on the 13km Crychan course - that lead had increased to 20.3 seconds.
Meanwhile, Gilles Panizzi's rally came to a premature end when a transmission problem prevented him starting stage eight.
Bureau Report