While the Hyundai man said he hadn't found the stage, near Auckland, that much fun, he nonetheless put in time of 1.45.8 on the 1.78-km stage, almost a second faster than second placer Craig Breen (Ireland, M-Sport Ford). Tänak's teammate, Belgian Thierry Neuville, was third, followed by a Toyota trio, Takamoto Katsuta (Japan), Elfyn Evans (Wales) and season leader Kalle Rovanperäa (Finland).

Tänak clocked a time of 1.45.8 on the 1.78-kilometer public test in Auckland, which was 0.9 seconds faster than the second-placed Craig Breen (Ford). Third was the Estonian's teammate Thierry Neuville (+1.6).

They were followed by the Toyota trio of Takamoto Katsuta (+2.0), Elfyn Evans (+2.2) and Kalle Rovanperä (+2.6).

Thursday's test was the traditional evening shakedown, but since the event is taking place in New Zealand, day one proper, Friday morning, will start at a little after 10.30 p.m. Estonian time.

Tänak is 54 points behind Rovanperä with three races, including New Zealand, to go.

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