Aava encouraged despite crash

The Estonian led the field for two stages in his first appearance for Stobart Ford, before slipping back to fourth and then going off the road and becoming stuck in a ditch in the afternoon. He was eventually assisted out by spectators, but had lost too much time and headed straight back to service.

"This morning started well and it was great to be leading for my new Stobart team at the first service," said Aava.

"Obviously I was disappointed with my time loss this afternoon. We slid on some mud on a slow left hand corner and got beached on a ditch at the side of the road. We were pretty well stuck and it took quite a bit of time for the spectators to get us back onto the road."

He hopes he can swiftly get back into a competitive rhythm when he rejoins using the Superally system tomorrow.

"I have been very encouraged by my times today though and look forward to going back out tomorrow, doing more kilometres in the car and getting my confidence back," said Aava, who will restart in 18th place, 11 minutes off the lead.

Aava's accident means that Henning Solberg is now the best of the Stobart cars. The Norwegian traditionally struggles on asphalt, so was amazed to complete day one in fourth place.

"We are enjoying it and setting our own pace to try and finish in the top five, which is our main aim for the weekend," said Solberg.

"I'm much higher up the leaderboard than I thought I would be at this stage. It's better that there is more rain because the slippery conditions work in our favour and I find it easier to drive on tarmac like that.

"We are not going to worry about the fight for podium positions but just concentrate on finishing and looking ahead to Norway."