SS3, Helena South I: Peugeots on top

However, despite his time, the flying Finn did not extend his overall lead of the event as he was joined at the top of the time sheets by Peugeot team mate Harri Rovanpera, who set exactly the same time over the 18.43km test, leaving the gap between the leading pair at 5.1s.

Subaru's Richard Burns, who is third in the title standings and elected to run 12th on the road this morning (Friday), finished third fastest. With a time just 0.3s behind the leaders, Burns moves up to fourth overall behind championship rival Colin McRae, who finished fourth on the morning's second stage.

McRae's Ford team mate Carlos Sainz finished just behind the Scot in fifth place and stays in the same spot overall. Meanwhile, Didier Auriol took sixth in the third Peugeot 206 WRC just over a second behind Sainz, leaving the top six covered by 4.1s.

Title protagonist Tommi Makinen, who is equal top of the championship with McRae, finished seventh in his Mitsubishi Lancer and the four-time world champion currently occupies the same position overall.

The drivers now head for the first service of the day at Mundaring before continuing for three consecutive stages.

For full times from SS3, click here.

For full rally live timings, click here.

For rally itinerary, click here.

For full entry list, click here.