VILLA CARLOS PAZ (ARGENTINA) - Finland's Jari-Matti Latvala surged into the lead after five stages of the Rally of Argentina on Friday, making a strong start in his quest to back up last month's victory in Mexico.
Finnish driver Jari-Matti Latvala steers his Volkswagen Polo R WRC with his compatriot co-driver Miikka Anttila during the ss4 of the WRC Argentina 2016 near Santa Rosa de Calamuchita, Cordoba, Argentina on April 22, 2016
Latvala, in a Volkswagen, ended the session five seconds ahead of New Zealand's Hayden Paddon with world champion and overall leader Sebastien Ogier close behind in third.
Ogier is looking for a first victory in the mountains of Cordoba, the only race he has yet to win, and posted the fastest time over the opening two specials before Latvala responded to claim the next two stages.
Thierry Neuville was slowed by mechanical problems early on, but the Belgian fought back to claim stage five in his Hyundai.
"Up to now I've had some good feelings. I'm really enjoying it," said Latvala, who won in Argentina two years ago.