Auriol continues in top six

The Frenchman clipped a rock early in the stage and had to limp to the service area on three wheels but although he has dropped from 2nd to 6th, he is still in the running.

Auriol's accident was later replicated by Alister McRae, who also lost three minutes and handed the F2 class lead to his Hyundai team mate Kenneth Eriksson.

Tommi Makinen continues to lead the event and was fastest on SS15, stretching his already ample advantage over Kankkunen and Gardemeister.

Positions after SS15, Ararua,