Craig Breen sixth as Thierry Neuville claims victory in Sardinia

Belgium’s Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20 WRC) edged out champion, Sebastien Ogier (Ford Fiesta WRC), on the final stage to win round seven of the World Rally Championship, Rally Italia Sardegna, by just seven-tenths of a second.

Finland’s Esapekka Lappi (Toyota Yaris WRC) took his first WRC podium. He was third. Waterford’s Craig Breen (Citroen C3 WRC) was sixth.

Neuville began the final day 3.9 seconds behind Ogier, but with three fastest stage times, whittled the margin down by 0.8 of a second. The final, 6.96km stage would decide the outcome.