Gronholm is in control after two days in Wales

The 38-year-old Finn, who won five of the day's seven stages, leads the final round of the 2006 series by one minute and 18.8 seconds from Manfred Stohl.

With just four more stages left, Norway's Petter Solberg, the winner here the last four years, is third.

France's Sebastien Loeb, who is out injured, has already wrapped up the world title.

606 DEBATE: Can anyone stop Gronholm from winning in Wales?

Gronholm, who trails Loeb by an unassailable 11 points, needs only to avoid a mistake on Sunday to complete a seventh victory in this year's championship.

Resuming with an overnight advantage of 25.8secs, Gronholm received an early boost when Subaru driver Solberg lost half a minute on the day's opening stage with understeer problems.

"My lead is comfortable and the car has been perfect so I'm happy," said two-time world champion Gronholm.

"I have made no mistakes and was able to ease off a little after hearing Petter had lost time.

"But I kept pushing because I don't want to have to fight hard tomorrow - the roads are difficult and the weather forecast is bad."

Hopes of British success were extinguished by the time the event had reached its midway point.

Three-time British champion Mark Higgins, who had been running in the top 10, endured a miserable second day before retiring on a road section following stage nine.

Any possibility of Britain producing a 2006 world champion also disappeared when Kris Meeke and Guy Wilks joined Higgins on the sidelines.

They had been among seven drivers still in contention for the junior world title but their exits ended their chances.