Spaniard Carlos Sainz and Frenchman Didier Auriol set a scorching pace at the start of the Australian Rally in Perth. The two former world champions both completed the 2.2km purpose-built first stage at Langley Park in a record one minute 34 seconds.

This beat by a second the previous best time established by four-times world champion Juha Kankkunen of Finland in a Toyota four years ago.

Sainz, in a Ford Escort, boosted his hopes of overhauling reigning champion and current championship leader Tommi Makinen.

Finnish star Makinen, who led Sainz by nine points before this rally, finished equal third in 1min, 35secs in his Mitsubishi Lancer.

Auriol, in a Toyota Corolla, is currently 22nd in the world championship standings and is not a contender for top honours this season.

Scotland's Colin McRae, third in the world standings 14 points behind Makinen, had to be satisfied with ninth placing after recording 1:38 in his Subaru Impreza.

Makinen, who clinched the world crown last year by winning the Australian Rally, can sew up the title again by finishing first this week.

But if he falters and Sainz or McRae, who won the San Remo Rally earlier this month, occupy leading positions, the title may not be decided until the final round, the Network Q RAC Rally in Britain starting on November 23.