Makinen 'hits' problems.

Mitsubishi's Tommi Makinen has dropped behind Carlos Sainz in the Rally of Great Britain, after a series of problems which included sliding off the road at SS10 (Rheola) - and hitting a tree.

"We had a couple of problems in those stages", commented Tommi. "In the first one, the radio filter box came loose under my legs and then we went off the road in the next stage."

Makinen explained; "After about ten kilometres we slid wide, spun, hit a tree and damaged the intercooler. The throttle was also sticking quite a bit, so the team has a bit of work to do here at the service park."

The Four times World Champion was subsequently overhauled by Carlos Sainz in the Ford Focus, dropping the Finn to fifth overall, five seconds adrift of the Spaniard.

The crews now head to the daunting Resolfen stage that, at 46.25 kilometres, is the longest in the event. Weather conditions are forecast to deteriorate significantly this afternoon, with heavy rain and gusting winds adding to what is already a significant challenge.