Jari-Matti Latvala built on his maiden world rally win in Sweden by taking a 9.6-second lead over Sebastien Loeb after day one of the Mexico Rally.
Ford's Finnish driver took just one of opening three stages, but that was enough to open up a 4.4secs lead over the Citroen of world champion Loeb.
The 22-year-old steadily increased his lead over Frenchman Loeb with victories on stages five and six.
Aussie Chris Atkinson is in third place for Subaru, 12.8secs behind the leader.
Latvala admitted: "Today has been a surprise for me to be honest. We had a very good start in the morning and were able to keep the pace in the afternoon again.
"I really tried hard and pushed to the maximum... there is nothing more to do"
"I certainly got a confidence boost from Sweden, but the whole package is working well now - the feeling, the set-up, the car, co-driver, pace notes - it's all come together."
Loeb claimed two wins on the opening three stages, but the four-time WRC title-winner said he was trailing in in-form Latvala's wake.
"I cannot go faster," said Loeb, who failed to score in Sweden after rolling early in the rally.
"I really tried hard and pushed to the maximum this morning, and there is nothing more to do.
"I think I did good stages with no mistakes, a perfect line and very fast everywhere, but the time is not there.
"I think Jari is just driving very good stages, keeping on the line and making no mistakes.
Latvala's team-mate Mikko Hirvonen, who leads the championship after two rounds, finished day one in fifth, 70secs off the pace, after he hit a rock and picked up a slow puncture on stage four.
Britain's Matthew Wilson (Stobart Ford) is in seventh place behind Munchi's Ford's Henning Solberg. Both benefited from a high attrition rate, however.
Loeb's team-mate Dani Sordo was the most high-profile casualty, with the Spaniard forced to retire after damaging his suspension on stage one.
Stobart Ford's Gigi Galli, who ran as high as third, retired on stage four after he, too, succumbed to suspension damage.
Suzuki were also in the wars, with Per-Gunnar Andersson retiring on stage three with engine trouble, while Toni Gardemeister pulled out with throttle trouble after stage four.
All four are likely to resume under SupeRally rules on Saturday.
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