Loeb is targeting his 10th win of the season in Spain

The Frenchman is on target for his 10th victory of the season as he established a 53.3-second lead over Citroen team-mate Francois Duval.

Loeb and Duval are aiming for a one-two in order to seal the manufacturers' championship for Citreon.

Former world champion Petter Solberg crashed out after an error on stage six which was won by Ford's Daniel Sola.

"I was coming up to a left-hand corner just over a crest about three kilometres from the end of the stage, but I braked a little late and went off the road," said Solberg.

Marcus Gronhom finished the day 18.4 seconds adrift of Duval in third place.

His Peugoet team lie in second place in the chase for the manufacturers' title but Citreon need only six points this weekend to take top spot.

Rally of Catalunya day one results
1. Sebastien Loeb (Fra), Citroen Xsara WRC, 1hr 27mins 24.0sec
2. Francois Duval (Bel), Citroen Xsara WRC, at 53.3secs
3. Marcus Gronholm (Fin), Peugeot 307 WRC, 1:11.7
4. Toni Gardemeister (Fin), Ford Focus WRC, 1:23.7
5. Gigi Galli (Ita), Mitsubishi Lancer WRC, 1:35.4
6. Roman Kresta (Cze), Ford Focus WRC, 1:53.9
7. Mikko Hirvonen (Fin), Ford Focus WRC, 1:59.7
8. Dani Sola (Spa), Ford Focus WRC, 2:07.8
9. Xavier Pons (Spa), Citroen Xsara WRC, 2:16.2
10. Nicolas Bernardi (Fra), Peugeot 307 WRC, 3:03.1