Wales WRC: Meeke takes lead as Ogier is slowed by Neuville roll

The Frenchman started the stage second in line behind Thierry Neuville, and a roll from the Belgian left his car blocking the path, which cost Ogier around 25 seconds and the lead.

Meeke, having ended the stage second-quickest behind Andreas Mikkelsen, inherited first place with a gap of 5.4s.

However, Ogier expects that his time will be adjusted.

"I'm sure I will get the time back - it's not a drama. This one was very tricky, there are places where the grip was close to zero. Lots of standing water on the road," the Frenchman said.

Although Ogier was fastest in the following test, the Briton was only 3.3s off his pace and he remained in the lead by two seconds.

Mikkelsen was another driver to benefit from Ogier’s woes as he is now only 24 seconds behind, while Ott Tanak continued to rise up the order after Mads Ostberg went wide and temporarily got stuck in a ditch during SS11.

Ostberg dropped behind the Hyundai duo of Dani Sordo and Hayden Paddon, as well as Elfyn Evans, but his woes are unlikely to harm Citroen’s chances of taking second in the teams’ championship.

Results after SS12: