Solberg takes an early lead in Portugal

Petter Solberg was fastest of the lot on short opening superspecial stage of 2012 Rally Portugal, but proper action begins later this evening with three night stages held on the (watered) gravel.

Short 3.27 kilometer superspecial took place on the streets of Lisbon with Petter setting the fastest time, just one tenth faster than Sebastien Loeb and further 6 tenths adrift of Mikko Hirvonen. Jari-Matti Latvala took fourth spot with equal time to Hirvonen.

I’m excited that the rally finally started, but real excitement (or major disappointment) will come on three night stages this evening – really curious to see who makes the most from the conditions – Fords who opted for lower starting positions hoping to enjoy cleaner tracks or Citroëns with their top starting positions and low risk of eating dust.