Tommi Makkinen today made an early exit from the Rally of Finland after going off the road on the first stage.
Hoping to stretch his advantage in this season's standings in front of his home fans, four-time champion Makkinen hit a tree stump half-way through the opening stage.
Mitsubishi team boss Andrew Cowan said: "He cut a corner only ever so slightly.
"He hit a tree stump which wasn't on his notes. It's pushed the wheel and suspension back into the wheel well."
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Makkinen began this event on 40 points after his Rally of Kenya victory, but second-place Colin McRae, who has never won in Finland, now has an excellent opportunity to cut into the 10-point lead. PA