I didn't expect this, admits Duval.

Francois Duval was left feeling over the moon after seizing the lead in the final test on day one of the Rallye Deutschland on Friday, his debut event with OMV Kronos.

Duval, who hasn't driven the Citroen Xsara WRC in the FIA World Rally Championship since his win at the end of 2005 in Australia, was immediately on the pace and it quickly became apparent that he was going to be Sebastien Loeb's main opposition.

Francois Duval (BEL) / Patrik Pivato (BEL) OMV Kronos Citroen Xsara WRC. Rallye Deutschland, 17-19th
Francois Duval (BEL) / Patrik Pivato (BEL) OMV Kronos Citroen Xsara WRC…
© PHOTO 4

Francois Duval was left feeling over the moon after seizing the lead in the final test on day one of the Rallye Deutschland on Friday, his debut event with OMV Kronos.

Duval, who hasn't driven the Citroen Xsara WRC in the FIA World Rally Championship since his win at the end of 2005 in Australia, was immediately on the pace and it quickly became apparent that he was going to be Sebastien Loeb's main opposition.

Although the Belgian lost ground in the first two tests, he cut the margin back in SS3 and then took more time in SS4 and SS5, before finally going in front on SS6, the 21.47 kilometre-run through Schones Moselland.

In the end he finished the day 1.3 seconds up on his former team-mate, having set two quickest stage times, as well as three second quickest times and a third.

Speaking in the final service he was understandably delighted - and the fact he has given OMV the lead on an event for very the first time, since the company began its WRC programme five years ago, was just the icing on the cake for the Belgian.

"The car was just great. I was at full attack and gave 100 per cent. I was truly at the limit. I didn't expect to be here today at all. It is a great feeling though to lead prior to day two on my comeback," he reflected.

"I got into the rally very fast. In a way it is my home event. The stages are very similar to the ones in the Belgian Championship. So I don't have to adjust too much.

"In the afternoon I also definitely chose the right tyres. I hope that it will stay dry on Saturday now. Then I'll surely offer Sebastien a tough fight - even if he does remain the favourite for me," he summed-up.

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