Sebastien Ogier remains on target to wrap up his second successive world title at the Rally of Spain after maintaining his lead over Volkswagen teammate Jari-Matti Latvala on Saturday.

The Finn, the only driver who can prevent Ogier defending his crown, is lying 27.3 seconds adrift in second place after Saturday’s six specials.

Ogier turned up in Spain with a 27-point lead over Latvala in the championship standings.

The Finn must finish above Ogier, taking at least two more points, to remain in the hunt at the Wales Rally GB next month.

“I have to congratulate Jari-Matti because he did a good job,” said Ogier.

“The plan was to control from the front but there were sections I didn’t control too much because I had to drive very fast to stay with him.

“He was flying, but my plan was to have a 20sec lead tonight and we have more than that so it’s good.”

Ogier kept the wheels firmly on his title push by posting the quickest times in two of the day’s six specials, with the other four claimed by Latvala.

Another Finn, Mikko Hirvonen in a Ford Focus, was in third, 1:18.6 adrift, with one day remaining.