Tanak sets early pace in Rally Finland

Ott Tanak won Thursday's opening super special stage in Finland to take an early lead in the ninth round of the world rally championship.

The Estonian, top of the title standings by one point, beat his Hyundai teammate Thierry Neuville to the opening day honours by 1.3 seconds.

Multiple former world champion Sebastien Ogier (Toyota) is third, two tenths further back.

Tanak is hoping for a change of luck in Finland, engine failure forcing his exit after the third stage in 2023, followed by rolling his car last year.

"It was a clean stage actually," said Tanak, the 2019 world champion.

"Let's see. Obviously, it's a big day tomorrow, but it's always good to have a good start."