Jason and John White lead by a slender 16 seconds after the opening day of Targa Tasmania from Launceston to St Helens and back.

Michael Pritchard and Gary Mourant run second, ahead of 2016 champions Matt Close and Cameron Reeves.

The Whites hold the lead by virtue of a consistent performance, having won just two stages.

Driver Jason White admitted that he had taken a conservative approach in their 2016 Dodge Viper on a day run in mostly damp conditions.

“We’re really happy with the result today,” said White.

“It’s actually the first time I’ve driven the Dodge in the wet on these tyres and they’re something else, they’re quite phenomenal.”

“It took a little while to adjust my driving style and the commitment levels, but we’ve had a couple of dry stages and Matt Close has taken back time on us in those.

“We could probably do that sort of pace in the dry too, but it’s not sustainable, so we’re praying for a bit more rain.

Leg 1 was a lengthy 73.30km held over seven stages.

Tomorrow’s Leg 2 consists of a single 4.79km street stage through George Town due to ANZAC Day commemorations.

See below for course map

Provisional results: Overall, after Day 1

1. Jason White / John White, 2016 Dodge Viper ACR Extreme
2. Michael Pritchard / Gary Mourant, 2016 Dodge Viper ACR, +16s
3. Matt Close / Cameron Reeves, 2015 Porsche GT3, +37s
4. Paul Stokell / Jenny Cole, Lotus Exige, +1m14s
5. Ben Manion / Bernie Webb, 2010 Subaru WRX STI, +1m22s
6. Jon Siddins / Gina Siddins, 1970 Datsun 240Z, +1m23s
7. Trevor Macleod / Scott Hunter, Subaru WRX STI, +1m35s
8. Adam Kaplan/Aleshia Penney, 2004 BMW M3 CSL, +1m51s
9. Tony Quinn / Naomi Tillett, Porsche GT3, +1m56s
10. Angus Kennard / Ian Wheeler, 2015 Nissan GTR, +2m02s

Course map