DAVID Bateson survived a first day drama to lead his class on the Network Q Rally of Great Britain.
The Barrowford driver suffered a puncture on the 16-mile long Rhondda stage and was forced to continue on just the wheel rim.
"It cost us a couple of minutes, but other than that the car is going well," said Bateson, who is being co-driven by Daniel Barritt, from Hapton.
The pair's Dynamic Solutions-backed Volkswagen Polo finished the opening eight stages 108th overall and fastest in the N1 class.
Alistair Ginley, driving the Boland Motorsport of Barnoldswick Subaru Impreza, enjoyed a trouble-free run to 41st overall at the Cardiff overnight halt, while Great Harwood's Clive Molyneux guided Geoff Fielding to 88th in their Ford Escort Cosworth.
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