Swedish hope Oliver Solberg, who drives WRC2, was eleventh, 12.4 seconds behind Rovanperä, but third among the WRC2 drivers in his Skoda.

- It was fun to drive the first stage.

It was a difficult stretch and I took it easy.

It is tomorrow that applies.

It was great to see all the people and so much atmosphere.

It was fun, says Solberg to SVT Sport.

The Swedish rally starts in earnest on Friday.