Five-time world champion Sebastien Loeb kept his campaign for a 50th career world championship victory on target by retaining the lead after the second day of the Rally of Cyprus.

Loeb, in his Citroen C4, continued his dominant form over Friday's six asphalt stages on the five gravel specials on Saturday.

Ford Focus driver Mikko Hirvonen moved into second, 49.8sec off Loeb's pace.

The Frenchman's advantage could have been even greater had he not been slowed by brake problems late in the day, a session complicated by his Citroen struggling for grip.

"We had to drive very smoothly to keep the temperature down. Then, one kilometre from the end, we spun and stalled on a hairpin and I had to reverse to get going again," said Loeb.

"We lost some time, but we're still in the lead and that's the most important thing for the moment."

Hirvonen was quicker than Loeb on five of the day's six stages but lost time on the ninth stage. He improved in the afternoon's drier conditions and reduced the overall gap by 15 seconds.

"I learned how to drive - finally," said Hirvonen. "I've been doing this for years and I'm still learning."