Rallying: Flying Finn still leads

Finnish driver Tommi Makinen took charge of the 1,000 Lakes Rally at the close of the second stage in his home country yesterday. His Ford Escort was 22 seconds ahead of overnight leader Didier Auriol of France, in a Toyota. Makinen, who trailed Auriol by two seconds going into yesterday's stage, has only today's 100km third stage to come. Makinen led for most of Friday's opening day before a spin cost him 25 seconds. But he wrested back the lead in Saturday's first special stage. When rain started to fall and Auriol made a poor choice of tyres, Makinen increased his lead.