Finland's former world champion Tommi Makinen, in a Mitsubishi Lancer, increased his lead after three special stages today.
And with the difficult, muddy conditions again taking a toll, only Spain's Carlos Sainz in a Ford Focus was able to keep within striking distance 26 seconds back.
Finland's Harri Rovanpera, second place overnight, had a bad start to the day and slipped to fourth more than two minutes behind the leader.
Reigning world champion Marcus Gronholm of Finland, meanwhile moved up into third place 2min 15sec behind Makinen.
Makinen had the best time in the first two of the specials, while Britain's Richard Burns in a Subaru put his opening day woes partly behind him by recording the scratch time in the third special.
There were six further specials for the day, with the heavy rain continuing to make driving treacherous. AFP