That was a creditable nine seconds off the pace of early leader Markko Martin.

BBC: Rossi crashes out of Wales Rally

Ford's Estonian Markko Martin was nearly three minutes adrift of Solberg in third place.

BBC: SPORT | Motorsport | World Rally | Solberg wins in Wales

After seven rallies, Loeb leads the championship with 55 points, ahead of Solberg on 42 points and Estonian Markko Martin on 38 points.

BBC: SPORT | Motorsport | Rallying | Dominant Loeb extends winning run