Loeb has won the Rally of Argentina for the last two years

With Friday's seven regular stages wiped out by bad weather, the event effectively began on Saturday and the Citroen driver instantly took control.

Five consecutive stage wins put the Frenchman in charge of the rally he has won for the last two years.

Petter Solberg was forced out on stage 17, lifting Mikko Hirvonen into third.

Norwegian Solberg retired in the penultimate stage of the second leg after his Subaru encountered engine trouble.

But the day's driving was overshadowed by an accident involving Argentine driver Gonzalo Alenaz, who lost control of his Subaru on stage 11 and hit a group of three spectators, killing one.

The rally ends on Sunday after five more stages, one more than originally scheduled, to ensure that two thirds of the itinerary is completed - necessary for championship points to be awarded.

Leading positions in the Rally of Argentina after stage 18:

1 S Loeb (Fr) Citroen 1hr 44mins 13.000secs
2 M Gronholm (Fin) Ford 1:44:32.200
3 M Hirvonen (Fin) Ford 1:45:38.300
4 J-M Latvala (Fin) Ford 1:46:45.000
5 H Solberg (Nor) Ford 1:46:57.800
6 C Atkinson (Aus) Subaru 1:47:28.100
7 M Stohl (Aut) Citroen 1:47:40.900
8 D Sordo (Sp) Citroen 1:48:14.400
9 P Solberg (Nor) Subaru 1:54:52.900
10 F Villagra (Arg) Mitsubishi 1:55:44.700