Stage 13: Makinen on course for a win

The Mitsubishi driver finished behind fellow Finn Juha Kankkunen - who was fastest in the section with a 25.04.0.

During a service between stages 12 and 13, Kankkunen had the left brake on his Subaru bled.

After winning the stage, Kankkunen moved up to fourth overall - ahead of Toni Gardemeister.

Mitsubishi also made alterations to Makinen's car. Racing tyres replaced the Finn's studded tyres, and the car's settings were altered to suit the dry road conditions of the 36.94 km stage.

Ford racer Colin McRae was third quickest in the stage with a time of 25.13.0.

Makinen's lead over main rival Carlos Sainz was increased after the Spaniard finished eighth in the stage.

The gap between the two drivers is now 2m16s5.

Overall positions:

1 T Makinen - Mitsubishi - 3.39.46.1

2 C Sainz - Ford - 3.42.02.6

3 C McRae - Ford - 3.42.15.4

5 J Kankkunen - Subaru - 3.42.52.2

4 T Gardemeister - SEAT - 3.43.25.5

6 B Thiry - Toyota - 3.44.48.2

7 F Loix - Mitsubishi - 3.45.52.2

8 D Auriol - SEAT - 3.47.18.2

9 A Schwarz - Skoda - 3.48.31.3

10 O Burri - Toyota - 3.49.16.6

Results from stage 13:

1 J Kankkunen - Subaru - 25.04.0

2 T Makinen - Mitsubishi - 25.07.7

3 C McRae - Ford - 25.13.0

4 F Loix - Mitsubishi - 25.23.2

5 A Schwarz - Skoda - 25.28.2

6 B Thiry - Toyota - 25.28.4

7 D Auriol - SEAT - 25.28.6

8 C Sainz - Ford - 25.34.3

9 T Gardemeister - SEAT - 26.06.9

10 O Burri - Toyota - 26.17.1