The Hyundai driver set the pace winning three of the four stages to open up an 8.6s lead over nearest title rival Evans.
Eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier coped admirably as stage conditions worsened after every pass to end the loop in third, 21.5s adrift. Hyundai’s Ott Tanak held fourth [+37.3s] despite struggling with his i20 N.
