Solberg and British co-driver Phil Mills negotiate the puddles in Japan

Solberg won three stages to stay in front of Loeb, who needs six points to secure consecutive world titles.

Third spot for the Loeb would be enough to ensure Subaru's Solberg, second in the drivers' championship, could not catch the Frenchman.

Finland's Marcus Gronholm ended day one in third place at 34.5secs

Solberg's Subaru colleague Chris Anderson, who has scored points only once this season, set the early pace by winning stages one and three before fading.

Loeb, who has won a record eight out of 12 races this year, clinched two stages on Friday.

Solberg, who won in Japan last year, admits much can change this weekend despite his impressive first day display.

"There's still a long way to go and anything can happen," he said.

"It's been a big fight with Sebastien. Okay, I've got 20 seconds but that's nothing."

The Rally of Japan is the 13th round out of 16 in the World Rally Championship.