France's five-time world rally champion Sebastien Ogier was heading for victory on home soil after extending his lead in the Rallye de France round of the World Rally Championship in Corsica.
The M-Sport driver led Toyota's Estonian Ott Tanak by 44.5 seconds after Britain's Kris Meeke, who was second overnight for Citroen, crashed out of the second leg after mis-hearing a pace note.
Hyundai's Belgian Thierry Neuville was third, 0.1sec further back, with the rally's longest stage - a 55km stretch from Vero to Sarrola-Carcopino - yet to come before the finish on Sunday.
Ogier, winner in Monte Carlo and Mexico, leads the championship after three rounds by four points from Neuville, last year's winner in Corsica.
"Anything can always happen but I don't take the extra risk and I feel like I'm still in control," Ogier said.
"I feel comfortable, but if someone says they are 100 per cent in control they're lying. We must stay focused."
