Finland’s Mikko Hirvonen, driving a Citroen, maintained his lead in the Rally of Italy in Sardinia on Saturday, finishing the day almost a minute and a half ahead of Russia’s Evgeny Novikov in a Ford Fiesta.

Estonia’s Ott Tanak, in another Ford, was in third spot, well over two minutes off the pace after 14 of the 16 special stages at the gravel event.

“It’s been a long day and we’ve had to be careful with all the rocks on the road but we’ve had time to go around them and had no problems,” said Hirvonen.

“The car has been perfect, in fact it’s been a good day at the office. Sure it’s not over yet but we’re looking really good and we don’t have to push tomorrow.”

Norway’s Mads Ostberg won four of the day’s six specials – SS9, SS11, SS12 and SS14 – to move up to fourth position in his Ford Fiesta.

“I’m very happy with the day, everything is working well and we’ve been able to push without doing anything stupid,” Ostberg told WRC.com.

Sebastien Loeb, who claimed his ninth successive world drivers title on home ground in France a fortnight ago, crashed out of the race during Friday’s third special stage.

The Citroen driver blamed an incorrect pace note for being too fast through the corner where his hopes of a ninth victory in this year’s championship went up in smoke.

Sunday’s action consists of two runs.