Intro:

Early action on day one of WRC's Rally of Australia.

Script:

Britain's Kris Meeke posted the fastest time at Thursday's shakedown test for the Rally of Australia.

The Citroen DS3 driver was quickest by 0.4 seconds from his teammate Mads Ostberg in second.

Hyundai's Thierry Neuville of Belgium was third, another 0.4 seconds further back.

Volkswagen driver Jari-Matti Latvala was fourth quickest with Championship leader Sebastien Ogier and Mikko Hirvonen joint fifth-fastest.

The test took place on a 4.98-kilometre (3.09 miles) section of the Hydes Creek special stage on the outskirts of host town Coffs Harbour.

Meeke made three passes, setting his best time of 2 minutes 52.9 seconds on his final run.

Conditions were warm and sunny throughout the session, but there was evidence of recent rain on the clay and gravel surface.