Loeb and new co-driver Isabelle Galmiche dominated the trio of asphalt stages, held in tricky icy conditions, as the nine-time world champion quickly gelled with the new M-Sport Ford Puma.
A series of strong times helped the pair climb to the lead after Ogier and Benjamin Veillas dropped 15.8s on the stage 5, after opting for a curious approach on the ice, allowing Evans to also leap into second overall.
As a result, Loeb now leads the rally by 10.6s from Evans, while Ogier is 13s adrift in third.
“I was pushing really hard all morning and the car is great,” said Loeb. “I have a very good feeling with this car, so I continue to push.”
Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville ended the loop in fourth after M-Sport’s Adrien Fourmaux suffered a frightening roll on Stage 3 that put him out of the rally.
M-Sport’s Craig Breen has climbed to fifth ahead of Ott Tanak and Gus Greensmith.
Growing in confidence behind the wheel of the Puma, Loeb clocked his 922nd WRC stage win of his career…
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