Pressure is off says Makinen

The Finn maintained a lead of around 1m45s throughout leg two, with Juha Kankkunen setting the odd fastest stage time but never looking like a threat.

The Finn has caught a dose of flu while racing in New Zealand, but this has not stopped his surging performance.

He said, 'It has been a good day, a day like we planned. Of course I am happy. I have some fever but I am really enjoying the driving.'

'There is no need to hurry like yesterday, the pressure is off now,' Makinen said.

Behind the leading two, Toni Gardemeister put in some fast times towards the end of the leg to move away from Thomas Radstrom and make his amazing 3rd place more secure.

If he can hold the position, it will be the first top three finish for the SEAT Cordoba WRC, nearly a year since it made its debut.

The Toyota challenge had already stumbled, but by the end of leg two it had totally fallen apart.

Didier Auriol is fifth, but has been off the pace since damaging the car in an accident on SS14.

His position is coming under increasing threat from local hero Possum Bourne, and his team mate Carlos Sainz has dropped out of the points after leaving the road briefly on SS19.

With the championship battle reaching a crucial stage, the team need to do something drastic for Leg Three.

It's hard to believe that they scored a 1-2 in New Zealand last year, while a cautious Makinen tip-toed around on the edge of the top six, wary after a series of crashes here in previous seasons.

The rally restarts at 9.13am New Zealand time, with another seven short stages before the finish in Manukau. Not enough time for anyone to catch Makinen, but plenty of time for problems to strike.

Positons after SS20, Paparoa Station: