Katsuhiko Taguchi has taken an early lead in The China Rally, the final round of the International Rally Challenge following the first spectator superspecial stage in Longyou.

The Japanese driver – driving for the Mitsubishi Lancer for the MRF team – held a slim advantage over local man Lang Xu, in another Lancer, while former FIA Asia-Pacific Champion Jussi Valimaki is third: also in a Mitsubishi Lancer.

While the regular drivers from Abarth and Peugeot are not competing in China, this has given some other top stars the chance to shine on an IRC event. David Higgins, a former American and British Champion, is driving a Mitsubishi for the WY team on the event.

“China is always a very challenging rally,” said the Englishman, who has competed regularly on the Chinese Championship. “Many of the sport's top drivers in the world have competed on these Asian events, which goes to show just what a good experience an event like this is, and how much it teaches you as a driver. It's a really technical rally.”

The event covers 16 all-gravel stages, with a total competitive distance of 223 kilometres. China can suffer from heavy rainfall, but this year's event is expected to be dry throughout Saturday and Sunday, although haze and fog is a common occurrence.