Petter Solberg not expecting Citroen to ask him to assist Sebastien Ogier in France

The Norwegian moved past Ogier and into the lead on the day's penultimate test, before Mini's Dani Sordo jumped them both on SS8. The trio are covered by just 2.8 seconds going into day two, and Solberg said he had no intention of making life easier for Ogier.

"I drive for my own team," said Solberg. "I am here to win the rally and that's what I'm dreaming of doing. Hey, it's been too long since I won and I want to do it so badly. There's still a very long way to go in this rally. Let's see what happens."

Solberg admitted he would not be surprised if Citroen did ask him to slow.

"You know who the car belongs to, but I don't think [they will ask]," he said. "Right now I'm just really happy to be where I am. The car feels fantastic. The engine was not right in Germany and Finland, but here it feels like a different car."

Ogier admitted Solberg posed a major threat for victory in France.

"Petter and Sordo are both very close, said Ogier, who admitted he was concerned about the engine in his DS3 WRC on the long seventh stage. "I don't know [what the problem might be]. I drove well, but I think there might be a problem with my engine."