WRC 2016: Meeke leads early stages in Portugal

Citroen's Kris Meeke leads the Rally of Portugal over defending WRC champion Sebastian Ogier by 31.9 seconds with the rally ending on Sunday.

[caption id="attachment_70201" align="alignnone" width="642"] Kris Meeke leads the early stages of the rally. PHOTO : Red Bull Content Pool[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_70206" align="alignnone" width="642"] Sebastien Ogier in second place during the early stages of the rally.PHOTO : Red Bull Content Pool[/caption]

Spanish Driver Dani Sordo, driving for Hyundai Motorsport is 5.4 seconds further behind in third.

[caption id="attachment_70204" align="alignnone" width="642"] Dani Sordo currently in third in the rally of Portugal. PHOTO : Red Bull Content Pool[/caption]

Hyundai motorsport driver, Hayden Paddon exited the rally after a fiery crash. The incident ended with a fire resulting from the heat from the car's exhaust. Ott Tanak in the Ford Fiesta also crashed at the same corner of the stage.

[caption id="attachment_70207" align="alignnone" width="642"] Hayden Paddon’s car after the crash. PHOTO : Red Bull Content Pool[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_70202" align="alignnone" width="642"] Ott Tanaks's car being recovered after the crash. PHOTO : Red Bull Content Pool[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_70205" align="alignnone" width="642"] Sebastian Ogier during the 2016 Rally of Portugal. PHOTO : Red Bull Content Pool[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_70200" align="alignnone" width="642"] Jari-Matti Latvala during The stage. the Finn is currently ninth overall. PHOTO : Red Bull Content Pool[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_70198" align="alignnone" width="642"] Martin Prokop manoeuvring a corner. Prokop in currently 11th overall. PHOTO : Red Bull Content Pool[/caption]