Deflations cost McErlean dearly in Rally Sweden as Katsuta and Johnston hold slender lead

Meanwhile, Jon Armstrong/Shane Byrne (Ford Puma Rally1) lead the Irish and M-Sport Ford challenge in eighth place.

Josh McErlean rear wheel deflation cost him in Sweden, and he sits 9th. Picture: Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool .

With a slender lead of 2.8 seconds in Rally Sweden, the second round of the WRC, Japan's Takamoto Katsuta and his Northern Ireland co-driver Aaron Johnston (Toyotas GR Yaris Rally12) are locked in battle with team mates Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin with Finland's Esapekka Lappi/Enni Malkonen completing an all-Toyota top three.

Jon Armstrong/Shane Byrne (Ford Puma Rally1) lead the Irish and M-Sport Ford challenge in eighth place.