Skoda drivers happy after day one

Hanninen's pace through day one was backed up Jan Kopecky in the sister Fabia. While Hanninen's lead was impressive for the Finn on his debut with the team, Kopecky's performance was even more merit-worthy.

The Czech Republic driver is tenth overnight, despite dropping more than four minutes on the opening stage with power steering failure. Running without assisted steering he posted the sixth and third fastest times on the day's two remaining stages.

"Obviously it was really disappointing to have the problem, but the times were not so bad in stage two and three," Kopecky said. "I was helped a little bit because the road was wider and not so twisty as in SS1."

Hanninen was delighted with his start, adding: "This has been a great day for me and for the team. The car is fantastic, no problem. After a long time in Group N car, it's nice to get into this Skoda which feels like a real rally car!"