Gronholm remains cautious

The Ford driver says that the incredibly rough nature of the stages means that surviving the final leg will be quite a trial even if he doesn't have to push hard.

"This is the toughest Acropolis for six years and I cannot feel comfortable yet," Gronholm said.

"In these conditions, whatever the size of the lead, it is not enough. Rocks have been banging the underneath of the car everywhere and I've been pushing hard but the Focus has stood up to everything that has been thrown at it.

"It's incredible. I carried two spare wheels this afternoon, which was a good decision as I had two punctures.

"We have already driven tomorrow's stages twice so they will be even rougher. They aren't nice roads and they could be car killers.

"I need to find a good pace and keep my concentration but I'm not in a hurry or a panic and I hope I can take things a little easier and avoid the rocks."

The Ford Focus has proved fragile relative to Sebastien Loeb's seemingly unstoppable Citroen Xsara in recent rallies, but in Greece it seems that the tables have turned, with Loeb returning to the final service of the day on three wheels after a dramatic puncture and wheel breakage.

Third-placed Ford number two Mikko Hirvonen praised the strength of the Focus but also remains cautious about his chances of getting through leg three without drama.

"It's unbelievable the punishment this car can take because it was so rough this afternoon," said Hirvonen. "I have never seen rocks like it on a special stage.

"Tomorrow will be as hard as today has been and I think there will be some surprises. It will be rocky everywhere and the time advantage that I have will mean nothing if I collect a puncture."