Fords Petter Solberg started the first stage of day 3, SS18 Aghii Theodori, just 10 seconds behind Rally Acropolis leader Sebastien Loeb.

Solberg’s plan was to go “maximum attack” for the win. But towards the end of the stage Solberg hit a tree and ripped a rear wheel off. Co-driver Chris Patterson reported, the Fiesta RS is off the road, a wheel missing, and that is that.

Petter said on team radio scanners back to Ford in Service park, saying “I’m really really sorry guys”

Mikko Hirvonen is now 2nd, almost a minute behind, and Fords Jari Matti Latvala is in 3rd after dropping

out of the fight on day 2 after a puncture.

On the following stage, The 11.37km New Pissia, Loeb still set the fastest time of the stage. There are 3 stages to go including the Power stage. As things are, Citroën could get anther 1-2.