Ott Tänak took a step closer to victory on Wales Rally GB on Sunday morning, the Toyota driver maintaining his advantage over Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville through the first two stages.

The crews began the day with the first passes over the Alwen and Brenig stages in north Wales. The subsequent Great Orme stage on the asphalt coastal road into Llandudno had to be cancelled because tough sea conditions out at sea did not allow sufficient safety cover.

Tänak made the perfect start to the morning, winning the first pass of Alwen by one tenth of a second over Neuville. His Belgian rival was quicker in Brenig, but only by 0.2s, meaning Tänak leads by 10.9s heading into the repeat loop.

In third, Sébastien Ogier dropped further away from the lead, while Kris Meeke is moving closer and challenging his podium place, although the Northern Irishman is focused on scoring important points for his Toyota team.

The local favourite Elfyn Evans continued his recovery from the puncture he sustained on Friday by going quickest on Brenig and taking fifth place away from Andreas Mikkelsen. Pontus Tidemand and Craig Breen follow, in front of FIA WRC 2 Pro leader Kalle Rovanperä.

In 10th overall, Petter Solberg continues to lead FIA WRC 2 on his farewell, his advantage over Pierre-Louis Loubet increased to 14.7s. Jan Solans remains on course for the FIA Junior WRC win and the championship, three minutes in front of his rival Tom Kristensson.