CHRIS LE BONNIEC and co-driver Sue Allen hold a 70-second lead after the overnight stages of the Paperclix Jersey Rally.

Going for his fourth victory, Le Bonniec’s local knowledge obviously helped over 11 stages held in the eastern parishes, with last year’s champion Steve Fleck and early pace-setter Paul Cooper both having to retire.

Indeed, it has proved to be a rally of high attrition with over half the initial entry out due to mechanical failures and accidents caused by the slippy conditions.

Although the main roads used were dry and fast many stages included extremely tight and twisty sections covered in wet leaves – a mix of conditions that seems to have caught out many, with only 32 cars still in the main rally.

Lying second behind Le Bonniec’s Escort Cosworth is Welshman Berian Richards and Anton Shaw, who are over a minute ahead of Stuart and Theresa Fossey’s Sunbeam – a couple who left the Island a year ago so they could compete more in the UK.

They are followed by last year’s runners-up Jeremy Baudains and Ian Blandin, who are a minute and a half off Le Bonniec’s pace.

Many entrants have worked into the night to get their cars repaired for today’s stages.

Although they cannot rejoin the main rally they compete for the Trophy rally over the same stages.

This morning’s stages are in St Saviour and Trinity.