With his main rival running out of options, Sebastien Ogier is happy to play it safe as he nears a sixth straight world rally title in Coffs Harbour this weekend.

The Frenchman sits seventh and more than a minute behind Rally Australia leader Jari-Matti Latvala midway through day two of the World Rally Championship finale.

But that is irrelevant for the Ford driver, who only needs to finish ahead of Thierry Neuville to be crowned champion again.

Slower than the Belgian on the opening stages, Ogier was pushing hard to do that on Friday until a blown tyre derailed his Hyundai tormenter’s charge.

Now Neuville, who entered the rally just three points behind Ogier in what was billed as the tightest series climax in 15 years, is three places and almost a minute further behind.

Drivers will repeat the same four morning runs on Saturday afternoon before another special stage on the city’s foreshore, while Sunday’s final power stage will complete 318km of timed stages.

“We’re not at the same level of attack as yesterday,” Ogier conceded.

“It’s going to be hard to catch positions but the main goal is to stay head of Thierry.”

Neuville’s puncture on Friday also meant he started first on another dry Saturday, with the slippery conditions causing him to fall further off the pace.

It leaves him relying on what would be a rare mistake from the man that has dominated the sport since 2012.

“It’s very frustrating but it is like this,” the 10th-placed driver said.

“We can’t do much without the rain. We’ll continue trying and hope the God of the rally exists.”

Latvala and Toyota teammate Ott Tanak – who topped three stages in the four-stage Saturday loop – both jumped overnight leader Mads Ostberg.

Their efforts have put the team on track for their first manufacturers’ championship since 1999.