RALLY IRELAND:Rally Ireland was blown off course today but not before world champion Sebastien Loeb breezed into the lead after six stages. Bad weather forced the cancellation of the final two stages of the day.
The Citroen driver was in charge of the opening event of the world championship season but heavy rain left areas of the route in Murlo and Fardross covered in standing water.
With the stages due to be run in darkness, the organisers decided they could not go ahead and there are no plans to reschedule.
Loeb, who described the conditions as “impossible”, holds a 44-second lead over teammate Dani Sordo, with Mikko Hirvonen (BP Ford) third going into the second day of the event.
Gordon Noble, clerk of the course for the rally, said: “We are especially disappointed for all the fans who were looking forward to seeing the starts of the FIA World Rally Championship on their doorstep.
“All we can do now is look forward to better conditions tomorrow when day two will begin with Sloughan Glen near Omagh.”
Gareth MacHale leads the Irish challenge in ninth, with Eamonn Boland in 10th.
Better weather is forecast for tomorrow, according to Met Eireann.
Further spells of heavy rain are expected to clear in the afternoon, while winds should be moderate.