Another fastest time for Sebastien Ogier on SS4 moved the Frenchman into the rally lead at Friday's midpoint.
Ogier completed the Silves stage 3.1sec quicker than Dani Sordo to pull 1.8sec clear at the head of the standings. Once again Sordo was his closest rival through the stage, which meant the Citroen pair pulled further ahead of the chasing pack.
Mikko Hirvonen ended the morning loop their closest rival, 18.1sec back. The Finn moved up to third after Petter Solberg missed a junction and lost 10 seconds.
Monster World Rally Team driver Ken Block retired from Friday's competition after rolling his Ford Focus RS WRC 13.5km from the start line. Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino are reported to be uninjured.
Stage Times:
Source: WRC
