World champion Sebastien Ogier opened up a commanding 51-second lead over French compatriot Bryan Bouffier on the second day of the Monte Carlo Rally on Friday.

Ogier, in a Volkswagen, capitalised on overnight leader Bouffier sliding off the track and into a field in his private Ford Fiesta on the day’s third stage.

“Today was much better than yesterday,” said Ogier, whose 2014 campaign had got off to a sloppy start on Thursday when he opted for super-slick tyres which struggled for grip on the snowy surface.

Ogier won three of the day’s five stages.

Citroen’s British driver Kris Meeke, who was second overnight, goes into Saturday’s last day in third spot, 1min 38.6sec off the lead.

Poland’s former Formula One driver Robert Kubica was forced out of the race when his Ford Fiesta hit a bridge on the ninth stage.

“There was a sudden change of grip. We went into a corner, the front went straight and we hit a bridge,” said Kubica.