Gronholm wins opening superspecial

At just 2.02 kilometres in length, the SSS Estadio Algarve was effectively a preview for the crowds before the real action begins tomorrow morning.

Ford driver Gronholm was 2.3 seconds quicker than Citroen number two Dani Sordo, and 3.3 seconds ahead of reigning champion Sebastien Loeb, who was far from concerned about being third at this point.

"For the moment everything is okay," said Loeb. "Shakedown was good. The most important thing is tomorrow. It's too early to speak about it."

Petter Solberg currently shares third place with Loeb. Given Subaru's big step forward at the last round in Mexico, Solberg's performance this weekend is eagerly awaited, but the Norweigan remained cautious about his chances.

"I don't want to say anything," he said. "I'll take it stage by stage and that's all we can do. I just have to do my best, together with the car and tyres, and see where we are on Sunday."

Most of the big names proceeded through the short stage without incident, but Stobart Ford's Jari-Matti Latvala admitted to being embarrassed after an error at the very first corner cost him 14 seconds.

Positions after SS1: 

Pos  Driver        Make          Time
 1.  Gronholm      Ford        2:05.8
 2.  Sordo         Citroen      + 2.3
 3.  Loeb          Citroen      + 3.3
 =   P Solberg     Subaru       + 3.3
 5.  H Solberg     Ford         + 4.6
 6.  Hirvonen      Ford         + 4.9
 7.  Atkinson      Subaru       + 5.6
 8.  Carlsson      Citroen      + 5.7
 =   Galli         Citroen      + 5.7
10.  Gardemeister  Mitsubishi   + 6.1