Proton’s Alister McRae has got off to the ideal start in the China Rally by winning stage 1, one second faster than Finland’s Jari Ketomaa driving a Soueast Motor Kumho Mitsubishi. McRae team-mate Chris Atkinson is 1.3 seconds further back and fourth and 2 seconds off the lead is Pertamina driver Rifat Sungkar.

The 2011 APRC drivers title will go to one of the Proton drivers, but the battle for the manufacturers title is all on, especially if either Ketomaa and Sungkar keep up their current pace. Proton lead the manufacturers title points, but  Mitsubishi is only 6 points behind.

PHOTO: Michael Young – APSMtv