American Marconi Wireless News - Rovanpera survives puncture to close in on home win in Finland Rally

On slippery dirt and gravel tracks the two-time world champion is leading two other Toyota drivers -- Japan's Takamoto Katsuta at 36.1sec and France's Sebastien Ogier at 42.9sec.

Despite a slow puncture in the morning, overnight leader Rovanpera dominated, winning five of the day's eight special stages, giving him a strong shot at the overall victory on Sunday.

Ogier moved up from sixth to third and could secure another podium finish, although the 41-year-old remains under threat from his British teammate Elfyn Evans, who is just 1.5 seconds behind the eight-time world champion.

Finland's Sami Pajari completed an all-Toyota top five, while the Hyundais of reigning world champion Thierry Neuville of Belgium and Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux, were both slowed by punctures and occupy sixth and seventh place respectively.

Estonian Ott Tanak, the world championship leader, lost all hope of victory after the Hyundai driver was slapped with a five-minute penalty after an incident on Friday.

Tanak left the control zone after tyre scanning before receiving permission from a scrutineer and struck the official with his front bumper resulting in minor injuries.

His sanction also carries a suspended penalty of 35 championship points.

Only two special stages, covering 47.96km, are scheduled for the final day of the event on Sunday.

L.Harper--AMWN