Marcus Gronholm received the perfect birthday present today when he held off Sebastien Loeb to win the Swedish Rally and extend his lead in the world championship.

Colin McRae set the fastest time on today’s opening stage but it only scratched the surface of his deficit to Swedish Rally leader Marcus Gronholm.

Cautious Colin McRae will take the softly, softly approach this morning when he resumes his Monte Carlo Rally challenge.

Finland's Harri Rovanpera has maintained the Scandinavian stronghold on the Swedish Rally in Karlstad.