Finland's defending world champion Tommi Makinen seized the lead in the Monte Carlo rally after four special stages on the first day of the 1998 world championship yesterday.

The Mitsubishi-driving Finn, who became only the third driver in rally history to defend his crown last year, stormed back after trailing by 14 seconds after the first two stages.

Early leader Pierro Liatti of Italy, who won the rally last year, was in second, four seconds behind Makinen, with the Finn's British team-mate, Richard Burns, in third, 11 seconds behind.

Makinen had lost 14 seconds in the opening two stages with a bad choice of tyres, something which had cost him victory on the final overnight stage last year.