Catalunya Rally update after stage 3

The Subaru driver had the advantage of starting the rally first on the road and so enjoyed clean roads, free from the mud dragged onto the asphalt with each passing car.

Torrential rain, however, made conditions treacherous and the best times were set by drivers who chose the heavily grooved wet weather tyres.

"I won't have the same advantage this afternoon," admitted Burns. "We're repeated this morning's stages and by now there will be a lot of mud on the road in the corners."

Burns' British rival Colin McRae is lying second, 11.2 seconds adrift of the Subaru, amid speculation about his future plans with Ford.

McRae has now openly declared that unless Ford gives him a reliable car very quickly he will be seeking employment elsewhere.

The roads are currently drying and the Fords are expecting to close the gap on the Subaru this afternoon.