World champion Marcus Gronholm, in a Peugeot, held a commanding lead after the opening day of Rally New Zealand, round four of the 14-round World Rally Championship.

Reigning world champion Marcus Gronholm took a predicted early lead after the opening tests of the New Zealand Rally in Auckland.

Colin McRae’s Rally Australia came to a sudden end today with terminal damage to the radiator of the Scot’s Ford Focus following a hard landing on Special Stage 14.

Nick Faldo’s new relaxed air was apparent as he grabbed a share of third place in the first round of the Heineken Classic at Royal Melbourne today.

Alister McRae will drive for Mitsubishi in the World Rally Championship for the next two seasons.

Colin McRae's hopes of becoming the first British winner of the Monte Carlo Rally for 33 years are in tatters after his Ford Focus hit technical problems.

Colin McRae's lead of the Monte Carlo Rally was finally obliterated by Tommi Makinen.