Breaking news: Hirvonen stops

Mikko Hirvonen has lost the lead of Wales Rally GB after stopping midway through stage seven - Dyfnant.

The Finn began the test with a 0.4s lead over his title rival Sebastien Loeb, but stopped his Ford Fiesta RS WRC at the 10 kilometre point.

He was able to continue and complete the stage - but 3m 52.2s slower than Loeb.

Sordo crashes out

MINI WRC Team technical chief Dave Wilcock says it’s too early to say whether or not Dani Sordo will be able to restart under SupeRally regulations on day three of Wales Rally GB.

Sordo, who is co-driven by Carlos del Barrio, was in seventh place when he crashed out one kilometre into the 10.31-kilometre Dyfi West stage, overshooting a hairpin right after a crest and ending up in a ditch.

Wilcock said: “All we know is they went off and the car is in a ditch. The crew is okay and they are now being collected. We have no idea how much damage and if they can start tomorrow.”

While Sordo’s team-mate Kris Meeke continues to excel in his MINI in sixth position, Motorsport Italia MINI driver Armindo Araujo has been slowed by an intercom problem, while Daniel Oliveira reported a possible steering issue in his Brazil World Rally Team MINI.