Gardemeister leads after first stage

The Mitsubishi driver set the fastest time in Thursday's only stage, while world champion Sebastien Loeb finished the 1.9-kilometre stage eight seconds adrift of the leader after he stalled at the start.

Loeb's error gives Marcus Gronholm an advantage that could prove crucial as the event develops, as the Finn believes that he will be able to match the pace of the Citroen driver this weekend.

Gronholm and Petter Solberg were the only drivers to get within one second of Gardemeister's time, while Mikko Hirvonen was fourth fastest.

Jari-Matti Latvala set the fifth fastest time, and Patrik Flodin was the top Swedish driver in sixth.

Dani Sordo was seventh quickest ahead of the privateer Citroen Xsaras of Manfred Stohl and Gigi Galli, while Henning Solberg completed the top 10.

The high number of WRC cars entered into the event means that Loeb will start Friday's stages down in 19th place.

Pos  Driver        Make          Time
 1.  Gardemeister  Mitsubishi    1:31.9
 2.  Gronholm      Ford          +  0.5
 3.  Solberg       Subaru        +  0.6
 4.  Hirvonen      Ford          +  1.4
 5.  Latvala       Ford          +  2.2
 6.  Flodin        Subaru        +  2.6
 7.  Sordo         Citroen       +  2.8
 8.  Stohl         Citroen       +  2.8
 9.  Galli         Citroen       +  3.0
10.  Solberg       Ford          +  3.9