Solberg keeps his lead

With a low position in the start order likely to be a huge help on Saturday’s ultra slippery roads, drivers were faced with a choice on the decisive SS7 - either keep their positions on the leaderboard, or drop time deliberately in order to get a better place in the day two running order.

In the event, all of the WRC drivers played things straight, with no tactics brought into play at all - even from the man with the most to lose, rally leader Petter Solberg.

Crossing the line in the third fastest time, Solberg surprised many with his choice not to drop back a place or two, but was adamant it was his preferred option. "No tactics, I had no reason to do it, you know? I’m here to drive, and drive as fast as possible. We’ll see the results at the last day and that’s it," he said.

"I took it a bit easy in this stage (SS7) because I went off here on the earlier pass. So I lost a bit here, but that’s okay. I don’t know about tomorrow. We’ll just have to try and that’s it. I have no plan or strategy I just want to get back on the top again. I’m happy to be first tonight and first on the road tomorrow. No problem. I’ll take it as it comes," he added.

The stage was won by Citroen Junior Team driver Sebastien Ogier, who will run second through Saturday’s stages. Sebastien Loeb set the third fastest time on the stage and will run third on the road on Saturday.

Rally standings after SS7: