Loeb in control in Rally Ireland

World champion Loeb has won 12 of the 14 stages

Sebastian Loeb holds a commanding lead after Saturday's stages in a wet and windy Rally Ireland.

The five-time world champion, who won five of the six stages on Saturday, is 1.09.1 minutes ahead of Citroen team-mate Dani Sordo.

Mikko Hirvonen is third followed by Henning Solberg, Chris Atkinson, Sebastian Ogier and Matthew Wilson.

Eamonn Boland is the leading Irish driver in ninth with Aaron McHale a further place back.

Treacherous weather forced the cancellation of Friday's two final stages and further heavy rain on Saturday led to the winter tyre being the preferred option for the competitors.

"We have a nice lead now, everything was okay," said Loeb.

"The tyre choice was easy - the stages have been just as tricky as Friday's but yesterday we were on the normal tarmac tyres and it wasn't working well.

"Now the feeling is okay, but there was a lot of water and the gravel crews have had a big task.

"But we're here, the car is good and everything is going well."

Hirvonen is now 2.30.9 minutes behind Loeb and his hopes suffered a major blow on Saturday when the power-steering pump in his Ford Focus failed.

"I was really looking forward to the fight - maybe getting closer to Sordo and continuing the fight tomorrow," he said.

"Instead the most important thing now is to finish and get the most points I can."

Gareth McHale was lying 10th when he retired on the road section back to Sligo.

The final five stages will be held on Sunday.

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Rally Ireland standings after 14 stages:

1 S Loeb (Fra) Citroen 2hr 20mins 02.8
2 D Sordo (Spn) Citroen +1:09.1
3 M Hirvonen (Fin) Ford 02:30.9
4 H Solberg (Nor) Ford 05:57.4
5 C Atkinson (Aus) Citroen 06:02.1
6 S Ogier (Fra) Citroen 09:13.47
7 M Wilson (GB) Ford 09:51.3
8 K Al Qassimi (UAE) Ford 11.50.0
9 E Boland (Irl) Subaru 12:40.4
10 A McHale (Irl) Ford 13:40.4