Thierry Neuville made an encouraging start to the defence of his world title, leading the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally after Thursday's three night-time stages.
Hyundai's Belgian driver goes into Friday with a slim two second cushion over Elfyn Evans, Toyota's runner-up in the 2024 championship.
"The start was difficult. With the tyres in drier conditions during the first stage, I didn't know how far I could push them, but I gradually felt more confident," said Neuville.
Sebastien Ogier, the eight-time former world champion who is once again not taking part in the full season, lies third, almost 13sec off the pace.
The Frenchman, at the wheel of a Toyota, posted the quickest time in the evening's first two specials before driver error cost him time in the third won by Neuville
"We can be satisfied to still be in the race," said Ogier.
"It's a shame because we started the rally well but we knew we had to take risks given our position on the road."
Kalle Rovanpera, also with Toyota, won the world championship in 2022 and 2023, and is making a comeback after only competing part-time last year.
The Finn is placed sixth, 44sec adrift of Neuville.
This year sees Saudi Arabia hosting its first WRC Rally while Africa keeps its event with the Rally Safari Kenya in March.
Estonia returns to the 14-leg calendar while Canary Islands and Paraguay make their first appearance. Croatia and Poland have been dropped.