Latvala sets pace in Rally NZ qualifying

AUCKLAND — Finland’s Jari-Matti Latvala clocked the fastest time in qualifying for the Rally New Zealand Thursday, as eight-time world champion Sebastien Loeb had to settle for fourth. Latvala, who won in New Zealand in 2010, qualified with a time of two minutes 31.86 seconds in his Ford Fiesta, 0.37 seconds ahead of compatriot Mikko Hirvonen. The result means Latvala can choose his starting position on the first full day of racing Friday in round seven of the World Rally Championship. Loeb was unfazed at the result on a track he described as “tricky”, with less grip than he expected. — AFP