SS1: Hirvonen First Launch

Leg one's first stage was a classic Wales Rally GB test, with mud, wet and foggy conditions. BP-Ford's Mikko Hirvonen didn't seem to be affected by the conditions as he set the fastest time through the Port Talbot test with a time of nine minutes 15.2 seconds.

The young Finn was followed by triple world rally champion Sebastien Loeb, 6.5 seconds behind the Ford driver. Third fastest was Marcus Gronholm, 12 seconds behind the stage leader and only 5.5 seconds behind his championship contender Loeb.

Stobart's Jari-Matti Latvala finised fourth fastest, 2.7 seconds slower than his compatriot. He was followed by Subaru's Chris Atkinson who is celebrating his birthday today. The Australian was 4.3 seconds slower than the young Finn.

Team-mate Petter Solberg completed the 17.41km stage in sixth position, only 0.3 seconds behind Atkinson. Seventh was a cautious Dani Sordo, 7 seconds behind the Norwegian.

Rounding out the top eight was Xevi Pons in the third Subaru, 0.8 seconds behind Sordo and 27.1 seconds behind Hirvonen.

Stobart's Henning Solberg finished outside the top ten because of a rear-right puncture, finishing the stage on the rim.