Sebastien Ogier was still on course to retain his world title on Saturday despite seeing his lead cut over the day's first three special stages in the Rally of Spain.
The Frenchman started day two of the second last round of the 2014 championship 36.6sec ahead of Volkswagen teammate Jari-Matti Latvala, the only man who can deprive him of the title.
But by the end of the third special, Latvala had made inroads into his lead and was 28.3sec adrift, with another Finn Mikko Hirvonen in a Ford Fiesta third, 51.9sec behind.
Ogier went into Spain with a 27-point lead over Latvala in the standings.
The Finn must finish above Ogier, taking at least two more points, to remain in the hunt at the Wales Rally GB next month.
Unlike his error-hit performance on home ground in France last time out, Ogier had made the most of his rivals struggling with the dust and poor visibility caused by the low Spanish sun on the first day.
Latvala had lost precious time early on Friday when his Polo clipped a rock.
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