Loeb grabs Acropolis Rally lead as Ogier suffers in dust

The world champion overcomes a 15 second deficit to take the lead in Greece after the night stage.

LOUTRAKI, GREECE // World rally champion Sebastien Loeb overcame a 15 second deficit to snatch the lead in the Acropolis Rally following a dramatic night-time stage at the end of the second day.

Loeb started the stage in second position behind Citroen teammate Sebastien Ogier, who reported losing time in hanging dust.

"I was pushing hard but it was very slippery in some places," said Loeb, who will run first on the road on the final day.

"There was a lot of dust in the start of the stage and I thought I would lose one minute but then it was finished after four kilometres."

Ogier was 17.3 secs slower than Loeb in the stage and fell 2.2 secs behind in the overall standings.

"It was very difficult on this stage. I was in dust all the time. It was difficult to drive," said Ogier.

Petter Solberg completed the stage with the fourth fastest time in his private Citroen and is 20.9 secs behind Loeb.

Mikko Hirvonen was 2.1 secs slower than Loeb in his Ford and will begin day three in fourth place, 22.4 secs adrift of the champion.