Latvala pushing fast to keep the leader position after the puncture caused by hitting a rock in stage 22. Latvala set the best stage time with 4.5 seconds faster than Hirvonen.
There is one stage to go that is Hagfors 2 SS 24 the Power Stage with length of 4.66 km. The start is at 14:11 local time.
Results after SS 23:
1. J. Latvala 3:15:23.9
2. M. Hirvonen +12.9
3. M. Ostberg +37.1
4. P. Solberg +1:15.1
5. E. Novikov +2:37.2
6. S. Loeb +3:00.8
7. H. Solberg +3:46.6
8. P. Sandell +5:03.2
Comments after SS 23:
Latvala: "Luckily I managed to take some time from Mikko. This gives a little more margin for the Power Stage. I have to be incredibly focused for this stage. We need this win for the team. I made one mistake, I have to get myself together for the finish now."
Hirvonen: "I had to give up quite early on this stage. It was so slippery and I had a couple of big moments. I did the first stage flat-out and destroyed my tyres, and okay Jari-Matti had a puncture, but then his tyres are much better for this stage. I can't fight against him now."