Solberg leads from the front on Saturday’s opener

Overnight leader of Rally Japan Petter Solberg continued to set the pace on Saturday’s opening stage - overcoming a start position of first on the road to more than double his lead.

The Norwegian was the quickest driver through the 17km Nikara in his Citroen C4, and seemed unfazed by the amount of loose gravel on the road which is associated with the opening position in the running order.

Solberg’s advantage at the top of the standings was helped by a spin in the last few kilometres for the man in second place, Mikko Hirvonen. The Finn now lies 21.5sec adrift, with Citroen driver Sebastien Ogier 2.2sec further back in third.

Stobart Ford driver Matthew Wilson spun his Ford Focus RS WRC one kilometre from the finish line. Having passed Wilson on the stage, Federico Villagra said the car appeared to be beached on soft ground just off the road.