Road conditions are slightly damp today as the leaders tackle the opening stage of today's final eight.

Judging from current conditions, anything could happen. A wrong tyre choice or slightly too much pressure on the break pedal could be the difference between tears and cheers.

Some drivers prefer wet weather. Derek Smith told us this morning that he would prefer if it was extremely wet or extremely dry, rather than in-between.

The road conditions are a lot damper out on the stages than they are here at Rally HQ.

We're expecting the cars back in for service around 2:00. It'll be interesting to see then if there will be any casualties - either at the top, middle or bottom of the field.

As where yesterday, the first stage saw thirteen casualties alone, that was down to mechanical troubles.

As for today, if they do have the same amount of casualties on the opening stage from Barmoney to the Leap, it will more than likely be caused by slippery road conditions.

Sunday morning leaders after Stage 8 - PROVISIONAL
 1 (001) Eamonn Boland/Damien Morrissey   Subaru WRC      51:46
 2 (009) Jon Mercer/Lyn Jenkins           Metro 6R4       54:15
 3 (008) David Armstrong/Herbie Blackburn Escort RS       54:32
 4 (016) Steve Fleck/Tim Neal             Subaru          54:36
 5 (155) Steve Hendy/Vanessa Cann         Escort Cosworth 55:17
 6 (011) Johnny O'Sullivan/Pat Cashman    Escort WRC      55:48
 7 (012) Phil Henderson/Aled Davies       Metro 6R4       55:49
 8 (102) Trevor Culbert/James Glynn       Escort          56:21
 9 (010) Derek Smith/Darragh Cafferty     Escort          56:31 
10 (024) Willie Carroll/Jason Mernagh     Escort          56:32