Takamoto Katsuta and Aaron Johnston win Rally Croatia after final stage drama

Meanwhile, Kesh driver Jon Armstrong (Ford Puma Rally1), who was co-driven by Shane Byrne, collected six championship points with a fine performance on Sunday's four stages.

FLYING IT: Japan's Takamoto Katsuta and Tyrone's Aaron Johnston snatched victory in Rally Croatia following the final stage retirement of Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe. (Hyundai i20 Rally1). Picture: Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool.

Final stage drama gifted Japan's Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) and his Tyrone co-driver Aaron Johnston victory in Rally Croatia - their second successive WRC victory in a few weeks and the lead of the series.

They had finished the Power Stage (final stage) and seemingly settled for second place as the Hyundai WRT of Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe, who began the stage with a lead of one minute and 15.4s made its way through 16.26km test.