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Sebastien Loeb flies past onlookers - Source: Reuters -
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Citroen's Sebastien Loeb, chasing a record sixth successive rally world championship, seized a slim lead in the title-deciding British event on Saturday.
At the end of the first leg in mid-Wales, the Frenchman and Ford's championship leader Mikko Hirvonen were locked in a private battle with Loeb 5.3 seconds ahead of his rival.
Hirvonen has a one-point lead but Loeb has more race victories, meaning the champion has to finish in the points and ahead of the Finn to retain the title.
The two title contenders ended the day more than 35 seconds clear of Citroen's third-placed Norwegian Petter Solberg.
Loeb began the day strongly winning the opening three stages in renowned wet and foggy conditions but Hirvonen's quick times in the afternoon session has set the stage for a thrilling season finale.
"It's been difficult this afternoon, I don't really understand why I was slower here and on the first one," Loeb told the official wrc.com website.
"I'm happy to be first on the road tomorrow. Mikko is very fast, though, and it's a really exciting fight."
Hirvonen, chasing his first title, was second fastest to Loeb on the first three stages but bounced back to top the champion on the fourth and sixth.
"It's a great fight. I've really enjoyed myself. Okay, my driving wasn't perfect this morning but it's been better this afternoon. Now I must keep this up tomorrow," Hirvonen said.
Sunday's first stage gets underway in the Welsh Rhonda valley.
