Loeb continues to dominate in Monte Carlo

Eight-time reigning champion Sebastien Loeb won five of Thursday's six stages to extend his lead on the second day of the World Rally Championship's season-opening event in Monte Carlo.

The French Citroen driver, who held a one minutes four second advantage over Dani Sordo (Mini) overnight, moved 1min 37secs clear of the Spaniard.

Sordo won the day's other stage.

Norway's Petter Solberg (Ford) remained in third three seconds further back.

The challenge of France's Sebastien Ogier in S2000 Skoda, though, came to an end after crashing on the day's final stage.

The Frenchman and co-driver Julien Ingrassia, who had been fourth after day one, were unhurt.

As a result Loeb's team-mate, Finland's Mikko Hirvonen moved up to fourth with Russian driver Novikov Evgeny (M-Sport Ford) completing the top five.

Ireland's Craig Breen is continuing to impress and currently sits in 15th place overall, 15:55:8 behind Loeb.