SS5, Crychan: Rovanpera closes in

Gronholm was a whacking 7.6secs quicker than Ford's Carlos Sainz through the 13km test, the Spaniard now free from the brake problems that stemmed from his puncture this morning on SS3, but still lies outside the top 10 overall.

"I'm not surprised to be in the lead," said Gronholm. "Our car is good and allows us to fight."

Rovanpera was third quickest, and was much happier with the handling of his Pug 306 after changing the front shock absorbers in service: "We will see what we can do now," said the Finn. "The most important thing is to see three Peugeots on the podium on Sunday."

Didier Auriol was fourth fastest, consolidating his second place overall.

Burns was fifth quickest through the test and said: "We had no real problems. It was quite greasy 4-5kms from the end. It's not difficult to concentrate when you're doing 160mph, though!"

When asked what he knew of Colin McRae's accident on SS4, which has virtually handed him the World Championship on a plate, Burns said: "I was following his marks through the stage - he was taking some risks before [he crashed]."

Also out is Subaru's Markko Martin, who crashed in SS4. He has since suffered an oil leak and small fire, which spelled retirement on SS5.

For full times from SS5, click here.

For full rally live timings, click here.

For rally itinerary, click here.

For full entry list, click here.