M-Sport’s Ott Tänak secured the second WRC victory of his career at Rally Deutschland while team-mate Sébastien Ogier built a 17-point buffer over title rival Thierry Neuville.
Tänak grabbed the lead through Friday’s stages and remained at the head of the pack throughout the remainder of the event to triumph, to add to his Rally Italy win.
Tänak was followed home by Andreas Mikkelsen, who delivered a podium finish on only his third start for Citroen, having carried the manufacturer’s hopes after Kris Meeke crashed out on the first stage.
Mikkelsen pulled away from Ogier during Sunday’s stages after the reigning World Champion adopted a more conservative approach in the wake of Neuville’s exit.
Ogier and Neuville arrived at the event tied on points, but the Hyundai driver retired on Saturday due to suspension damage.
Neuville returned in order to participate in the Power Stage on Sunday, but was unable to take any points, while Ogier grabbed fourth, to add to his podium place.
As a result, Ogier now leads Neuville by 17 points, with three rallies remaining this season.
Juho Hanninen was the lead Toyota driver in fourth position, while Craig Breen snatched fifth from Elfyn Evans with a ballsy performance in the Power Stage.
Jari-Matti Latvala, Hayden Paddon, Armin Kremer and WRC2 victor Eric Camilli rounded out the top 10, as Pontus Tidemand wrapped up the WRC2 title.
Hyundai’s Dani Sordo claimed the five points on offer for the Power Stage, having edged out Rally Finland winner Esapekka Lappi, who were both out of contention for overall honours after earlier crashes.
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