Finn Marcus Gronholm claimed the lead in the Rally of Finland today as leaders Richard Burns and Harri Rovanpera ran into trouble.
Third overnight, Gronholm is now on course to secure his third successive victory in his home rally after building a comfortable lead of almost 1.5 minutes on overnight leader Burns.
The Peugeot driver took the lead after team mate Burns lost time due to engine problems and Finn Rovanpera, in the third Peugeot, was forced to retire after suffering a puncture and suspension damage.
Burns extended his lead after setting the pace on the day's opening stage but suffered engine problems after a heavy landing following a jump on the Ouninpohja stage.
The world champion was then given a 20-second time penalty after leaving the Jyvaskyla service park late as his team attempted to rectify the problem.
Rovanpera moved to the head of the field but then had to complete the third stage on three wheels and the damage sustained forced him to retire from the event.
Gronholm extended his advantage after posting the best time on the fourth stage to put himself on course for a third straight win in the gravel-based rally.
Colin McRae moved into third in his Ford behind the dominant Peugeots after playing a waiting game.
"We've moved ahead of the others but we must fight to stay there," said McRae. "The leaders are so far ahead they can afford to have an odd problem and remain in front of us."
Spaniard Carlos Sainz is fourth for Ford with Subaru's Petter Solberg fifth, despite the Norwegian driver suffering a puncture.