Gronholm leads in New Zealand after day one

Championship leader Marcus Gronholm made a flying start to his bid for a record fifth New Zealand rally when he dominated the opening day yesterday.

The Finn took advantage of overnight rain which helped the first cars onto the course when he won two of yesterday's six stages on his way to opening up a 13-second lead over his nearest rival, reigning world champion Sebastian Loeb of France.

Loeb, driving a Citroen, slipped nearly 15 seconds behind Gronholm after the first two stages, which he blamed on a poor tyre selection, but won three of the final four stages to stay in touch with his championship rival.