Petter Solberg with Ford Fiesta RS WRC was quickest in 3.27-kilometre all-asphalt stage in Lisbon. Second is the world champion Sebastien Loeb with 0.1 second delay.
During the stage 1 Evgeny Novikov reported a small problem with the engine.
Results after SS 1:
1. P. Solberg 2:57.1
2. S. Loeb +0.1
3. J. Latvala +0.7
4. M. Hirvonen +0.7
5. O. Tanak +2.8
6. D. Sordo +3.8
Three stages to the end of day 1 remain, as the longest is 14.29.