Norwegian driver Mads Ostberg says he is determined to maintain his grip on his Rally GB podium, despite the close attention of Petter Solberg's Citroen DS3 WRC.
Ostberg's Ford is 13.7sec ahead of his countryman, with the Fiesta driver pleased with the way his car is running this morning after a suspected turbo issue last night.
"I'm pleased with things now," Ostberg said. "I don't know what the change is with the car, but the engine is really pulling now and working really well. This is a good fight and I'm going to give everything I've got to beat Petter. Maybe it's time for the young Norwegian to be coming through now."
Solberg's charge through the morning was slowed by a broken spring on the front-right of his car and a puncture on the front-left.
"I want the podium," he said. "Everything is possible, but the podium is what I am aiming for now."
Ostberg started the season in sensational form when he finished second on Rally Sweden, and he admitted ending the year in the same style would mean a lot to him.
"It would be a great end to the season," said Ostberg. "The car is working well now and we will be pushing."