Colin McRae and the 55 Subaru World Rally Team currently hold third position overnight after four demanding and treacherous competitive sections totalling 406-km on Leg 1 of the 555 Safari Rally in Kenya. Teammate. Kenneth Eriksson, however, was one of the first victims on this sensational opening day when fortune turned against him on the first section of the world's toughest rally, says a press release.

Colin McRae has. without doubt, been one of the luckiest drivers suffering little more than four punctures in the sturdy and reliable Subaru Im-preza 555 WRC (97 leaving the trail of crashes and mechanical misfortunes in his wake. McRae nevertheless admitted that surviving the first day alone has been no mean feat — sudden and unlucky retirements from Eriksson and series leader. Carlos Sainz, leaving few looks of surprise — but a measured and sensible drive has left him and co-driver. Nicky Grist in a good position for tomorrow's 5 competitive sections.

With the lead changing no fewer than three times on the four competitive sections, competition has been fierce and in an event of this nature — where tactics and mental attitude play a significant role — the final times are closer than they have ever been; a mere 11 seconds separating Richards Burns, Colin McRae and reigning World Champion. Tommi Makinen in 2. 3 and 4 positions respectively behind overnight leader, Armin Schwarz.

Tomorrow will see no respite for the teams, the opening 153-km section in particular, a daunting prospect for the crews. After this, four further' sections will bring the teams back to Nairobi at 19.43 hrs (local).