Reigning four-time world champion Sebastien Loeb recovered from a difficult start to the Jordan Rally today to sit ominously just one second off the lead at the end of the first leg.

Finland’s Mikko Hirvonen secured his second victory of the World Rally Championship season by winning the Rally of Japan.

Ford's Marcus Gronholm has a 44-second lead over World Rally Championship title rival Sebastien Loeb heading into the final day of the Greek round.