Craig Breen and Paul Nagle take a narrow lead into the first full day of competition on Rally Estonia after they went fastest on Thursday evening’s superspercial stage in host city Tartu.

Driving a hybrid-powered Ford Puma Rally1, the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team pair edged FIA World Rally Championship leaders Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen (Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT) by 0.1s over the 1.66-kilometre test.

Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin made it two Toyota GR Yaris Rally1s in the top three in third position with Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe fourth for the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team.

Home hero Ott Tänak, who was fifth fastest alongside co-driver Martin Järveoja, reported being stuck in gear at the competition of the short stage, which took place in warm and dry conditions and attracted thousands of fans.

Finn Jari Huttunen made it an evening to remember for British team M-Sport by going quickest in the FIA WRC2 category aboard his Ford Fiesta Rally2. Poland’s WRC points leader Kajetan Kajetanowicz was second fastest in a Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo.

Another Finnish talent, Lauri Joona, was the driver to beat in the FIA Junior WRC category driving a Ford Fiesta Rally3.

Rally Estonia is hosting round seven of the 2022 FIA World Rally Championship. Following shakedown, which took place in damp conditions this morning, the ceremonial start in host city Tartu was held in in front of packed crowds in warm and dry conditions this evening. FIA Vice President for Sport Robert Reid was among the guests of honour.

The action continues with the 24.35-kilometre Peipsiääre stage from 07h45 local time (06h45 CET) today.