Ogier sets pace at Rally Argentina

Sebastien Ogier - Cropped

Sebastien Ogier took the early lead at the Rally Argentina, going fastest in Thursday's short first stage in Buenos Aires.

The 2.68-kilometre stage in the town of Merlo saw the two-time defending World Rally Championship winner claim the early ascendancy, as he looks to continue his flawless season.

Ogier has won the two previous rallies in 2015 in Monte Carlo and Sweden to set the pace in his bid for a hat-trick of championships.

The Frenchman clocked a time of two minutes, 32 seconds in his Volkswagen, 0.2secs ahead of Citreon's Kris Meeke and Volkswagen's Andreas Mikkelsen.

"It's going to be a long weekend with some very tough stages but that's the same for everyone," said Ogier, who has never won the Argentina race in four attempts.

Jari-Matti Latvala was a further 0.1secs back in fourth, while Hyundai's Dani Sordo was one second behind Ogier and team-mate Thierry Neuville (+1.1secs) was sixth.

Friday's action will see the competitors cover just under 150km in five stages.

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