Ford number two Jari-Matti Latvala is tumbling down the Rally GB order due to an early driveshaft breakage.
The Finn is already 1m37.3s adrift of leader Sebastien Loeb after SS2, having struggled with the problem through both this morning's stages.
"At one junction I just braked at the normal time, turned in and suddenly lost drive from the front left," said Latvala. "The driveshaft has broken."
Latvala believes the problem has also damaged his Ford's braking system, as he dropped more time struggling to slow the car on SS2 Sweet Lamb. He is now trying to nurse the car to the remote service that is scheduled for after SS3.
Loeb currently leads title rival Mikko Hirvonen by 2.9s at the front of the field. Latvala's problem should not affect Hirvonen's championship bid as the two rivals only need to finish in front of each other to be crowned champion.