Intro:

Briton Kris Meeke finishes in seventh place as Andreas Mikkelsen leads the way in the World Rally Championship Rally of Portugal morning shakedown.

Script:

Briton Kris Meeke claimed seventh spot in the World Rally Championship Rally of Portugal morning shakedown.

The Rally Argentina champion clocked a time of three minutes 14 seconds.

Volkswagen driver Andreas Mikkelsen was quickest ahead of his competitive debut this weekend with the second generation Polo R.

The Norwegian opted for four runs through the 2.85 miles test, setting his best time on the final pass with three minutes and 11.3 seconds.

Compatriot Mads Ostberg rolled his Citroen DS 3. The 27-year-old crashed just 500m into his first run but recovered to completed two passes.

Mikkelsen's team mates Sebastien Ogier and Jari-Matti Latvala came in second and third, 1.3 and 1.8 seconds slower respectively.

The race continues on Thursday with a ceremonial start and the short Lousada opening super special stage before the rally 'proper' starts on Friday.