Mattias Ekstrom is top qualifier in Loheac. The Swede storms through to round eights semi-finals as the fastest driver after four qualifying sessions. Johan Kristoffersson and Andreas Bakkerud complete the top three.

The Swedish EKS driver Ekstrom is ahead in Loheac. Two wins in day one, and a second and third place finish in the Q’s three and four, have ensured that the DTM driver holds the coveted TQ classification as we head into the latter stages of the event here in Brittany. The accumulation of points so far, also means that at the top of the driver standings Ekstrom and Solberg are equal in points.

Q3 saw fellow Swede Johan Kristoffersson make an early break-through after the first session of qualifying of day two. Kristoffersson held off Ekstrom for the fastest time – with the pair of Swedes edging out ahead of third placed finisher JB Dubourg. The Frenchman received rousing support as he produced quick lap times. However, is effort was not enough to break the Swedish dominance.

Andreas Bakkerud finished fourth fastest, ahead of teammate Ken Block. Both Hoonigan Racing drivers have looked fast in Loheac, and as such looked set to feature in the latter stages of this round. Andy Scott was the sixth placed finisher, showing his team of drivers that he still has the ability to contest with the top drivers.

1. Johan KRISTOFFERSSON
2. Mattias EKSTRÖM
3. Jean-Baptiste DUBOURG
4. Andreas BAKKERUD
5. Ken BLOCK
6. Andrew SCOTT

Q4 saw the return of Petter Solberg. The championship leader has so far struggled in France, pushing hard throughout, but often finding himself caught up in battles and action at the back of the grid. But it was Johan Kristoffersson who produced the smoothest drive – producing his second qualifying win of day two. Mattias Ekstrom finished third fastest, with Frenchman Davy Jeanney finishing fourth fastest to provide the home crowds with much delight.

1. Johan KRISTOFFERSSON
2. Petter SOLBERG
3. Mattias EKSTRÖM
4. Davy JEANNEY
5. Reinis NITISS
6. Ken BLOCK

The top 12 in Loheac…

1. Mattias EKSTRÖM
2. Johan KRISTOFFERSSON
3. Andreas BAKKERUD
4. Ken BLOCK
5. Petter SOLBERG
6. Sébastien LOEB
7. Timmy HANSEN
8. Davy JEANNEY
9. Robin LARSSON
10. Kevin HANSEN
11. Reinis NITISS
12. Andrew SCOTT