Ogier grabs Rally of Germany lead from Mikkelsen on 2nd day

TRIER, Germany (AP) — World champion Sebastien Ogier seized the lead from Volkswagen teammate Andreas Mikkelsen to move closer to his third Rally of Germany victory on the second day.

Starting 4.3 seconds behind Mikkelsen on Saturday, the Frenchman showed his class on the tough Panzerplatte stages in the Baumholder military area, establishing a 33.4-second lead ahead of the last day.

"I hope this puts us in a comfortable position tomorrow but there are still 60 kilometers (37 miles) to go, and another tricky vineyard stage," Ogier said.

Both drivers traded the lead early on but Ogier was 13.5 seconds faster on the first run through the 40.8-kilometer stage and 13.1 faster on the second.

Spain's Dani Sordo moved third, 37 seconds behind Ogier, and just 0.4 ahead of Hyundai teammate Thierry Neuville of Belgium.

Stephane Lefebvre and co-driver Gabin Moreau were taken to hospital after crashing on the day's fifth stage. No spectators were involved. The race was stopped as both men received medical attention.

Race organizers said they suffered "fractures and internal injuries" but added that "according to the doctors, their injuries are not life-threatening."

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