Loeb remains on course

Frenchman Sebastien Loeb saw his lead reduced but he still retains a commanding advantage after the opening stage of the Monte Carlo Rally this morning.

The Citroen driver finished fourth fastest on the 19.5-mile stage but is still one minute 23.3 seconds ahead of his closest challenger with just three stages left today.

Unless there is a major surprise the 29-year-old looks set to celebrate a second successive victory on the world’s most prestigious rally.

Ford’s Markko Martin began his charge for the runner-up spot on the season-opening rally when the action resumed amid the snow and ice of the French Alps.

The Estonian powered to his fastest time to move within 3.6secs of second-placed team-mate Francois Duval. Martin had started the day 13secs behind the Belgian.

Former double world champion Marcus Gronholm consolidated fourth place in his Peugeot but is now just over 23secs behind Martin in the battle for a place on the podium in Monaco tonight.

The Subaru of reigning champion Petter Solberg is still fifth but the Norwegian slipped further adrift of the top four.