But Sordo’s lead was razor-thin with the Toyota of Jari-Matti Latvala just 0.3 seconds adrift after the tenth special, with Ford driver Elfyn Evans in third – only eight seconds down.

Whilst most drivers went for soft tyres in the heavy rain, Tänak did not and is now in ninth place, one minute and two seconds behind Sordo with his outside hopes on winning the world title appearing compromised.

Five-time world champion and winner of the Wales rally two weeks ago Sébastien Ogier and current leader Thierry Neuville, who can win the title here, are fifth and sixth respectively.

The first special of the day had to be cancelled because racing fans had swarmed into viewing positions considered by race commissioners to be too dangerous.

Racing continues Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning with just a single rally in Australia left of the calendar and Neuville on 189 points so far, with Ogier on 182 and Tänak on 168.