Gaurav Gill has taken an early lead in the China Rally after the official start and 1.8 kilometre superspecial with a time of 1:45:3.

The Indian leads Cusco driver Yayu Sumiyama by 0.3 of a second with Katsu Taguchi on 1:46:0 and Hiroshi Yanagisawa on 1:46:1.

The Protons were a little off the pace McRae quickest on 1:48.1, but at least they’re running after only receiving their engines yesterday and have no testing or shakedown at all.

Tomorrow there are 9 stages south of Longyou.