It was Lappi who set fastest time on the opening 10km test in a icy Elsi test taking 4 seconds off Ogier with Latvala second quickest, now just 7 seconds covered the top 3, it was going to be a massive fight to the end with Breen waiting for the top 3 to slip up, just 13 down.

Next up was the power stage over 15 kms of Gwydir and Latvala was quickest, just 0.3 faster than Tanak but 5.3 quicker than Ogier to grab the rally lead by 3.5 seconds. Behind the leading trio, Neuville was embroiled in a terrific fight with Ostberg, Mikkelsen, and Paddon for 5th position.

On the first run over the 8kms of the Orme test, Ogier fought back in typical Seb style, taking 3.3 back off the Finn, with Lappi dropping five to the leaders.

The final gravel test was a re-run of the 15 kms Gwydir stage. Ogier now smelt victory and took another 3.3 out of Latvala to now lead by 3.1, this enthralling battle was going to the wire. Lappi had dropped more time, but still comfortable in 3rd.

“I am just driving to the finish now to get maximum manufacturer’s points with Jari hopefully, these two are going flat out for the victory” stated Lappi.

Sadly for Craig Breen, a spin on the power stage saw him drop 20 seconds but was still safe in 4th place.

A fast charging Neuville had now moved up to 5th but it was still very tight going into a delayed final stage.

So who would come out on top on the final 8kms? The experience of the five-time World Champion, Ogier, or the enthusiasm of Finnish star Latvala, looking for his first win since Sweden 2017.

In the end it was the Red Bull Fiesta WRC of Ogier who set the fastest time and clinched victory by 10.6 seconds from the Toyota of Latvala after a fantastic last day battle.

With Lappi 3rd from Breen, Neuville, Mikkelsen, Paddon, Ostberg with WRC 2 victory going to the factory Skoda R5 of 18 year old Kalle Rovanpera, son of former Peugeot and Seat factory driver, Harri and rounding out the top 10 was Skoda team mate Pontus Tidemand.

Top British driver and 3rd in WRC 2 was Gus Greensmith in 11th place, Ott Tanak took 19th with Elfyn Evans wondering what might have been but for his first day retirement, finishing 20th.

Yet again the event has proved its worth in the World Rally Championship, with many battles over the event. The last word goes to the victor.

“It’s been a tough weekend, first Ott was way out in front, then he had his problems and Jari Matti came so strong at the end, my gearbox nearly gave out on Friday morning so it’s been tough, but we now go to Rally Spain just 7 points behind Thierry, it’s all to play for still.”

See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here