Tanak leads as Ogier struggles in Poland

Estonian driver Ott Tanak clinched the day's final special to extend his overnight lead in the Rally ofPoland on Saturday as world rally leader Sebastien Ogier struggled in sixth.

Volkswagen driver Ogier, who had embarked first because of his position as championship leader, was left furious after being forced to act as sweeper for his rivals in dusty conditions.

"This was a complete disaster. I've rarely seen worse conditions in all my career," said the Frenchman, winner of the last two editions in Poland, after dropping 50 seconds on the day.

"It's not so easy to enjoy this kind of day. One of the toughest jobs of sweeping in my career. There is just nothing that you can do.

"There was much more loose gravel this year - even on the second loop. I've pushed as hard as possible for two days without winning one stage."

Ogier slips from fourth to sixth position more than a minute behind his Estonian rival.

Fastest over nine of the 17 specials so far, Tanak leads Norway's Volkswagen Polo driver Andreas Mikkelsen by 21.3sec, while New Zealand's Hayden Paddon in a Hyundai is third at 27.8sec.

"It was an excellent day," Tanak said. "I went for it all day long and only made one small mistake," he said. "With a lead of over 20 seconds I should be able to manage that on Sunday."

There were seven specials on Saturday and Tanak won three in the morning and the final one of the second full day of racing after Thursday evening's curtain raising special.