Frenchman
Sébastien Ogier (Citroen C4) is the first Japan Rally leader after winning both super specials on Thursday.
Ogier, who took Dani Sordo’s seat in the works Citroen team, has a two-second advantage over Mikko Hirvonen’s Ford Focus.
Dani Sordo, who drives for the Citroen Junior team this weekend as he does now for each gravel event, is currently third.
Former Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen lies in 4th place following a brush with a concrete wall during the shakedown. The car needed repairs however.