Summary Jari-Matti Latvala opened an 11.1sec advantage over Kris Meeke of Britain at the Rally of Portugal.
MATOSINHOS (AFP) - Finn Jari-Matti Latvala led Kris Meeke of Britain at the Rally of Portugal after Friday s action was disrupted by a forest fire.
Volkswagen Polo driver Latvala opened an 11.1sec advantage over Citroen driver Meeke, the winner last time out in Argentina.
Andreas Mikkelsen was a further 4.9sec behind in another Polo R.
"It s coming good," said Latvala.
"After a steady start we increased the pace stage by stage and attacked more.
"I have hard times recently so it would be good to have a great event but tomorrow will be tough."
With fire ablaze in the region, the second stage had to be abandoned and the third stage cancelled altogether.
Ott Tanak enjoyed a strong debut in the new Ford Fiesta RS to hold fourth, 1.8sec behind Mikkelsen.
Dani Sordo s Hyundai was fifth and world champion Sebastien Ogier, who suffered most from sweeping the gravel, completed the top six in his VW Polo R.
Saturday s second day continues with special stages in the region to the east of Porto.
