9:17AM: Cars are now leaving the showgrounds. Eights stages to come. Forecast is for heavy rain, even hail! Right now it is still dry(ish). 62.3 competitive kms today. Longest stage is Castambul – the last of the day. Expect stage times in around 10.30 SA time, but we expect many will clean the opening stage.

Report in from Meadlow TS1: Cold and windy. Road damp but no rain at present. From Tim at Perfect Prints.