The eight-time world champion, competing in a partial campaign with Toyota this year, won three of the day’s six completed stages to open up a 20.7s lead over Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville heading into the final day on the Spanish asphalt.
Neuville managed to snatch second position from Ogier’s teammate Kalle Rovanpera on the day’s final stage as the world champion ended Saturday 22.1s shy of the lead.
Hyundai’s Ott Tanak reached service in fourth, 36.6s behind ahead of teammate Dani Sordo (1m13.2s) and Toyota driver Elfyn Evans (1m27.6s), while Craig Breen headed M-Sport’s charge, 1m39.7s in arrears in seventh.
Ogier wasted little time in stamping his authority on the rally lead when the action resumed under blue skies on Saturday afternoon. The Frenchman produced yet another impressive drive to win Stage 12 by 2.2s from Tanak, extending his advantage over nearest rival Rovanpera to 12.0s.
Neuville was fourth fastest, 0.5s slower than Rovanpera, ensuring the gap to second overall increased to 5.0s. Once again the test proved to be hotly contested among the Rally1 field, as only 10.5s separated the top 10 across the 13.93 kilometres.
Ogier’s relentless surge continued into Stage 13, as last year’s world champion was once again untouchable. This time he completed the 20.19km test 3.3s faster than Tanak.
“It feels really good – I really enjoy these stages,” said Ogier. “As long as we stay out of trouble, it should be fine.”
Rovanpera admitted that the only way he could match Ogier was to take “crazy risks” which the new world champion wasn’t prepared to consider with Toyota aiming to secure the manufacturers’ title this weekend.
“I can’t do much more if I don’t want to take any crazy risks,” said Rovanpera. “I can be happy that we are able to stay in the fight.”
The Finn was 3.9s slower than Ogier, ensuring the gap to the leader increased to 15.9s.
Neuville’s victory hopes continued to fade as the Belgian shipped more time to the Toyota duo at the front, while Evans continued to struggle to find the sweet spot in his Yaris in his battle with Sordo for fifth.
M-Sport’s Breen continued to lead the M-Sport contingent as the Irishman closed to within 8.5s of Evans in the overall standings.
Ogier’s streak of stage wins was ended on the next test courtesy of a stunning display from home hero Sordo. The Hyundai driver was in a different league to his rivals in the second run of the El Montmell…
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