MOTOR SPORT/World Rally Championship:Sebastien Loeb took full control of the Monte Carlo rally yesterday, clocking the fastest time in all but one of the second day's six timed stages.

Frenchman Loeb, starting his quest for a record fifth world championship, extended his lead with flawless driving on mostly dry mountain roads in the Ardeche region in south-eastern France.

His Citroen team-mate and fellow asphalt expert Dani Sordo denied him a clean sweep with the best time through the day's second section.

Spaniard Sordo, the only driver able to follow the pace set by the title winner of the last four years, was second overall, 56.6 seconds back.

Finland's Mikko Hirvonen, leading the challenge for champions Ford, was third a further 26 seconds back.