Loeb takes early lead in the WRC

Reigning champion Sebastien Loeb has taken the lead in the World Rally Championship after the first set of stages in the first round of this year's championship in Sweden.

The French driver leads Mikko Hirvonen in his Ford by four seconds after taking two stage wins, while Dani Sordo is close behind in third in a second Citroen.

Despite his lead, Loeb said: "I was not so confident, I don't know why; I did not have a perfect drive."