I'm not happy with my C4, admits Loeb.

Sebastien Loeb could re-take the lead in the race for the 2007 drivers' title this weekend following the retirement of his chief championship rival, Marcus Gronholm on day 1 in Japan.

The Citroen man finished the opening leg in second place overall, just over 10 seconds behind Gronholm's BP Ford team-mate, Mikko Hirvonen.

The Frenchman, who overhauled Ford 'B' team member, Jari-Matti Latvala in the penultimate test though wasn't overly happy with his day. Indeed Seb complained of under-steer this afternoon and while he still set some very good times and still feels he is in with a 'real chance' to win, he is hoping to improve the handling for day 2.

"I'm not very happy. It hasn't been the easiest of days and I'm glad it's behind us. We can say, on one side it has been a good day because we have now a good chance to lead the championship after this rally but I'm not satisfied with my driving," he noted.

"The set up of the car is not perfect. There is understeer and I cannot keep the car in line. With Latvala around and Hirvonen in front, it's not easy to fight for the win either.

"My plan for tomorrow is to modify the set up of the car at first, then, not to take too many risks even though if I finish only third I'll have only a two point lead in the championship."

Citroen boss, Guy Frequelin meanwhile is eager to see Loeb to capitalise on Gronholm's error. He was also happy with the performance of Daniel Sordo, who ended the day fourth in the #2 car.

"Both cars are in a strong position to secure a good result here. The misadventure of our rival also gives S?bastien a chance to turn the tables in the Drivers' championship. For that, we will first need to cure the slight understeer problem he had this afternoon. Dani had a good day, too. He has learnt a great deal and we're still in the fight, although this event is far from over," Frequelin concluded.