Intro:

World champion Sebastien Ogier claimed his fourth World Rally Championship win in six events on Sunday (14 June) in a bruising Rally Italia which was led for most of its distance by Hyundai's Hayden Paddon.

Script:

Volkswagen's Sebastien Ogier claimed his third successive Rally of Italy victory - and fourth win of the World Rally Championship (WRC) season on Sunday to extend his lead at the top of the drivers' championship.

The Frenchman started the final day in Sardinia with a commanding lead and won by over three minutes, with victory in the Power Stage earning him three bonus points.

The 31-year-old reigning champion moved on to 70 points in the drivers' championship - more than double that of his nearest rival.

Hyundai driver Hayden Paddon enjoyed a first podium finish, after finishing second having led for 15 stages.

He also made history by becoming the first New Zealander to lead a WRC event outside of the country.

Paddon's team-mate Thierry Neuville snatched third on the final day after Citroen's Mads Ostberg went off the road in SS20 and damaged his brakes, while M-Sport's Elfyn Evans finished fourth.