Citroen Abu Dhabi’s Mats Ostberg claims third as Jari-Matti Latvala wins Rally Finland

Mats Ostberg in action on his way a a third place finish at Rally Finland. Vesa Moilanen / Reuters

Citroen Abu Dhabi’s Mats Ostberg claimed third place at Rally Finland, while Jari-Matti Latvala held off his VW Polo teammate Sebastien Ogier in a thrilling duel to claim the win at his home race.

The Finn set up his third win at his local rally when braving treacherous conditions Saturday to hold a slender overnight lead on France’s Ogier.

He held his nerve to come home victorious in Jyvaskyla after 320 kilometres of special stages on gravel roads in central Finland by 13.7 sec.

Ostberg took third over one minute and a half further away. The Norwegian earned his place om the podium after Citroen Abu Dhabi teammate Kris Meeke retired on Saturday while in third.

Latvala, who won Sunday’s opening stage before filling second to Ogier in the concluding powerstage, moved into second in the world drivers championship — albeit 89 points adrift.

The 30-year-old was adding this to his victory in the Rally of Portugal.

The world rally championship moves next to Germany for the ninth leg of the season starting on August 20.

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