Ostberg says he has speed in hand

The Stobart Ford driver won two of this morning's four stages and has now built a 32.8-second advantage over factory Ford man Mikko Hirvonen.

Ostberg says his speed is partly due to his preparation for the opening round of this year's WRC and partly due to his 10th position on the road.

"I did two rallies in the snow conditions, two rounds of the Norwegian Championship, in the Fiesta S2000, so I know the snow and I know the car, it seems to pay off," said Ostberg.

"At the moment, we have got quite an easy lead. We didn't make any mistakes and we have taken it easy to get here, but this afternoon will be quite different. The lines will be cleaner for all of the drivers - we'll have to follow the lines of the big guys and see what we can do, but there is more speed for me to come."

Ostberg admitted he was not surprised at how world champion Sebastien Loeb was struggling. The Citroen driver lost nearly two minutes running first on the road on the opening loop.

"I have seen the conditions at the front of the field many times, it must have been really hard for him - I understand his time loss," said Ostberg. "I'm a little but surprised to be where I am, but the road has been better for me."