Higgins led the rally after the opening four stages

Mark Higgins held the overnight lead in the Rally Isle of Man after a dramatic fourth stage on Thursday.

The Manx star took advantage of many of the leading crews, who were on dry tyres, being caught out by heavy rain on the Cringle stage.

"The conditions on the last stage of the night were horrendous," he said.

"It was very misty but we have come out in front. I think Guy [Wilks] had a spin and then suffered a small puncture which obviously affected his time."

Guy Wilks had previously held the lead, but with cuts in his slicks Higgins took advantage of the conditions to open up an 18 second advantage.

Eamon Bolland and co-driver Damien Morrisey were third overnight, with Higgins' brother and British Championship leader David Higgins and Ieuan Thomas in fourth place.

Mark was surprised to find out he was the overnight leader when he returned to the Grandstand.

"I am very surprised to be in the lead," he said. "We lost over 10 seconds on the last stage with a silly spin.

"I was telling someone earlier about how slippy that corner was and not to use the handbrake, and I did exactly what I said not to."

Standings after four stages:

1. Mark Higgins and Rory Kennedy (Subaru Impreza) 20 minutes 22 seconds
2. Guy Wilks and David Moynihan (Mitsubishi) 20:40
3. Eamonn Boland and Damien Morrissey (Subaru Impreza) 21:03
4. David Higgins and Ieuan Thomas (Subaru Impreza) 21:13
5. Phillip Morrow and Daniel Barritt (Mitsubishi) 22:01
6. James Wozencroft and Chris Ridge (Subaru Impreza) 22:03
7. Darren Gass and Neil Shanks (Mitsubishi) 22:09
8. Brian O'Mahony and John Higgins (Renault Clio) 22:20
9. Guy Woodcock and John Skinner (Ford Escort Maxi) 22:22
10. John McGlaughlin and Damian Connolly (Mitsubishi) 22:30