Jari-Matti Latvala of Finland leads the way in the Rally of Sweden after the first full day of racing on Friday.

Latvala, driving a Ford, was in early command after the first nine special stages having started out from Karlstad and then led the way across the border into Norway through to special stage nine of the second race of the World Rally Championship.

The Finn had a provisional 17.2sec lead over compatriot Mikko Hirvonen of Citroen despite the latter winning on his favoured terrain in the last two editions.

Latvala was 20sec ahead of Norwegian stablemate Petter Solberg while reigning champion, French Citroen driver Sebastien Loeb, trailed in seventh spot with 2min 09sec to make up as the teams headed to Karlstad for a day-ending superspecial.