Another impressive performance from Ogier sees him top the leaderboard but the Frenchman is just three-tenths of a second ahead of Kris Meeke after a titanic fight over some of the greatest rally roads Australia has to offer. Latvala is just 2.3 seconds further adrift and the trio - along with fourth-placed Andreas Mikkelsen - look set to lead the fight for outright honours in the 10th round of the FIA World Rally Championship.

Today’s route took in just two stages, both repeated, but included the daunting 50.80 kilometre Nambucca stage, one of the drivers’ favourites. Ogier started the day in third position and has once again pushed to the limit, running second on the road today courtesy of Rally 2 competitor Stephane Lefebvre. Hampered by the loose gravel, the reigning double FIA World Rally Champion has struggled for grip throughout the day but two fastest stage times this afternoon saw him power into the lead in the closing night stage. For the Frenchman, and co-driver Julien Ingrassia, the final day will be one of the most important in their careers, as the potential to win their third consecutive world title sits within their grasp. Starting second in the classification this morning, Meeke immediately took the lead after the first stage, despite the wrong tyre choice in Nambucca. He has performed impressively and while the Northern Irish driver was disappointed to lose time in dust in the final stage, he will doubtless push the Volkswagen drivers hard over the closing stages. Latvala has had a good day, albeit losing some time in the more technical sections, and while he remains within striking distance of victory, the Finn is also eyeing team-mate Andreas Mikkelsen behind, the Norwegian only 6.5 seconds adrift of him.

Hayden Paddon had a great morning, the New Zealander happier with the car, so much so that he snatched wins on the opening two stages. He has moved from sixth to fifth today and could also push Mikkelsen hard tomorrow. Ott Tanak has also enjoyed a better day and the Estonian has climbed from eighth to sixth following some top times. Thierry Neuville and Dani Sordo are evenly matched in seventh and eighth, Sordo dropping down the leaderboard with brake problems early in the day. Elfyn Evans continues to endure a nightmare Rally Australia. The Welshman is at a loss to understand his lack of pace, as well as confidence, which has also seen him escape two massive moments this weekend. The team will be making significant changes to his Fiesta RS WRC overnight in an effort to see him finish the event on a more positive note. Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah rounds off the top 10 and leads the FIA WRC 2 Championship category, despite a gearbox problem and engine misfire this morning. Lorenzo Bertelli was the only major retirement of the day, the Italian out with an engine problem.

Coates Hire Rally Australia – Unofficial Results after Section 7