AJACCIO (AFP) - Ford got their Rally of Corsica campaign off to a flying start when Francois Duval and Markko Martin threw down the challenge to world championship leader Sebastien Loeb by winning the first two of the day's four specials.
The duo benefitted from an ideal tyre choice in the damp conditions to lead Citroen's Loeb, who is bidding to wrap up the world title at home this weekend.
Duval was fastest on the opening 32km stage, while Martin finished just four seconds adrift in the second.
Estonia's Martin takes an eight-second lead on the Belgian going into the third stage with Loeb in third position 37.5sec adrift.
The Frenchman, who needs just five points here at the weekend to claim the title, has warned that he is looking to defy team orders and wrap up the world title on home soil.
"If I feel comfortable with the Xsara and I'm in good form then the Corsican stages should enable me to battle for victory without taking undue risks," explained Loeb.
But Citroen team principal Guy Frequelin warned: "Sebastien must be cautious and keep himself on the road at all costs."
Loeb's nearest challenger Petter Solberg, who is 26 points behind, is sixth after the opening two stages at 1min 10.3sec in his Subaru Impreza.