Aussies throws rocks and close stages of Rally Australia

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Five-time World Rally champion Sebastien Loeb has defended Rally Australia in the face of increasingly hostile environmental protests against the event.

"The people are not so happy to see us," Loeb said. "They don't have to be angry at the drivers. We are just doing our jobs. Sometimes, people don't like us in front of their houses, but I didn't ask to come here. I can understand why some people don't like the rally, but I have to do my job."

Stages six and 11 were canceled today after rocks were thrown at the course-opening car and the stage was blocked when protesters against the event pulled a fence across the road. Championship leader Mikko Hirvonen was first on the scene in SS6, but the Finn drove straight through the fence. The stage was stopped by marshals at the next radio communication point. Stage 11, a repeat of that test, was canceled to allow the police investigation to get underway.
Hirvonen also spoke of being blocked on the road sections