Toyota's Esapeka Lappi fastest in opening stage of Wales rally

Esapekka Lappi in the Toyota on the Tir Prince stage during day one of the DayInsure Wales Rally GB. Credit: David Davies/PA Wire/PA Images

Finland's Esapekka Lappi was quickest during the opening speed test at Dayinsure Wales Rally GB.

The Toyota Gazoo Racing driver completed the dusty 1.7km stage in one minute and 21.6 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than his team-mate and compatriot Jari-Matti Latvala, who was also at the wheel of the Yaris World Rally Car.

Championship leader Thierry Neuville matched Latvala's time in his Hyundai i20 to tie for second at the Tir Prince trotting track, finishing ahead of title rivals Sebastien Ogier and Ott Tanak.

Ogier, driving a Ford Fiesta, was 0.4 seconds behind Belgian Neuville, while Estonian Tanak finished a further 0.2 seconds behind in his Yaris. Norwegian Andreas Mikkelsen completed the top six in an i20.

Friday sees the action move to the forests of north Wales, with eight stages covering 110.76km.