SS8, Stavroulia: Sainz on a charge

A further four seconds back was the Subaru Impreza of Richard Burns. But worryingly for the Englishman, is the threat of the second Ford driven by Colin McRae. The Scot was just one tenth of a second slower on that stage than Burns and has now moved into second place, just eight seconds behind the Subaru star.

World Champion Marcus Gronholm has lost more time to Burns on SS8. The Finn, fifth quickest through Stavroulia, is nine seconds behind Burns overall. But it is incredibly tight at the top of the table, with just 15 seconds separating Burns at the front and fourth-placed Francois Delecour, who was seventh fastest through SS8.

Freddy Loix, who has already lost places to Sainz and Auriol this morning, is in danger of losing his seventh place overall to Japanese driver Toshihiro Arai in the Subaru. Loix's Mitsubishi Carisma is suffering from driveshaft problems and finished SS8 almost one and a half minutes down on the leaders. Arai started the day four places and two minutes behind the Belgian, but has cut the gap to just 30 seconds. Loix has cope with two more stages before his car reaches service.

Kenneth Eriksson's Hyundai Accent is suffering yet more mishaps. The Swede has reported a leaking power steering unit and also that hot oil is leaking from the manifold. He has confirmed he will attempt to get through the next two stages to make it back to service, but will take it very slowly.

But on a positive note for Hyundai, Alister McRae, after suffering a spate of problems yesterday popped up to score the sixth fastest time on SS8. He is however, more than seven minutes off the leaders.

For SS8 Stravroulia results click here.

For full results table click here.

For full entry list click here.

For the itinerary click here.