PARIS (AFP) - Olympique Marseille's inter-season signing from Nice, Bakari Kone, was instrumental in OM's 4-0 victory over Auxerre at a packed Stade Velodrome on Sunday.

Ivory Coast international Kone, transferred to OM for nine million euros before the start of the season, dodged defenders and sent in a precise cross from the right to Mamadou Niang who, with a flick of his dreadlocked head sent it whizzing into the net.

Later, Marseille's account was doubled when Auxerre's Swiss defender Stephane Grichting deflected a Hatem Ben Arfa strike toward his own goal.

Niang was on hand again to help it in but wisely let the ball take its course.

Next, Elliot Grandine skilfully evaded defenders and sent in a lob which ended up in the Auxerre goal.

Taking a free kick six minutes before time, Marseille's Dutchman Boudewijn Zenden sent the ball sailing over the wall into the target, the finishing touch to the home side's quadruple scoreline.

Grenoble, newly promoted to France's first league, unexpectedly occupy the top spot after champions Lyon were held to a goal-less draw by Lorient.

The club from the Alpine mountain city had been out in the cold for 45 years, and marked their return to the top level with a couple of convincing wins, over Sochaux last weekend and over a fragile Rennes on Sunday.

Grenoble's 34-year-old striker Nassim Akrour delivered the goal in the 20th minute, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Grenoble coach, Mecha Bazdarevic said "It shows we can expect a reasonable season but it's only the start. It is satisfying to beat a club like Rennes who are playing in Europe. The club is growing and we are building."

Grenoble's unaccustomed status is chiefly due to the lacklustre performance Sunday by French champions Lyon, held to a goal-less draw at Lorient.

Lyon coach Claud Puel expressed his frustration.

"We had a few good opportunities but they failed, we hit the bar and we were up against a really good keeper (Fabien Audard), who made some reflex saves," he said.

Earlier, Paris St Germain showed they could be a force to be reckoned with this season after struggling last term, when they beat Bordeaux 1-0 at the Parc des Princes on Saturday.