Five-time world champion Sebastien Loeb opened his campaign for a 50th race victory with a dominant display on the opening day of the Rally of Cyprus on Friday.

The French Citroen driver won five of the day's six stages to build a lead of 41.8sec over teammate Dani Sordo of Spain with Ford Focus drivers Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala, in fourth and fifth respectively.

The first day of the race was held on asphalt with Saturday and Sunday's action taking place on gravel.

"I said maybe one minute lead over the Fords is not enough on the gravel but to have that after one day is probably more than we could have expected," said Loeb who eased off on the day's last stage as the rain fell and is chasing a fourth win here to add to victories between 2004 and 2006.

"Tomorrow we have to clean the road but if it?s raining it shouldn?t be too bad. We?ll try and continue like this."

Sordo said the outcome of the race could depend on tyre choice after seeing Loeb successfully use part worn tyres for morning session on Friday.

"I?m happy with the performance but I?d prefer to have driven today?s stages on tarmac tyres," said the Spaniard.

"We learned a lot. In the afternoon I tried with new tyres at the rear only and that?s the best balance for me. Hopefully it rains a little tonight - that?s my preference, but either way I?ll try to keep this position now."