With Nutahara out, Argyle with suspension and then engine problems, Singh suffering a puncture while leading, it was German driver Armin Kremer who took the days honours – a maximum three points from the first leg of the MRF India Rally to overhaul standings leader Geof Argyle. Kiwi Argyle had an horrendous day with punctures, suspension, overheating and then gearbox problems dropping him to 10th, but he recovered in the last stage to finish the day 6th overall.

Malaysian Proton driver Singh had led for much of the day and went into the last stage with a 57 second advantage but dropped two minutes with a puncture on the 14.5 km test. Nico Caldarola from Italy stayed clear of problems and sits in a comfortable third.

Fumio Nutahara won the first stage, then crashed out after suspension problems on the 3rd stage. Chris Atkinson driving the Super 1600 Suzuki Ignis was well placed until two punctures ruined his chances late in the day.

Drivers are describing the roads similar to Cyprus, with boulders as big as footballs!