While Citroen Total World Rally Team's chances of a strong overall result were compromised early on, Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia proved once again that they remain fierce competitors, grabbing the second fastest time on the Power Stage and four bonus points.

Meanwhile, Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm finished in seventh overall, having managed the last two legs admirably. Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia made an uncharacteristic mistake on day one as they attempted to minimise the major disadvantage of running first on Sardinia's technical and very loose gravel roads.

Having rejoined under Rally 2 rules on Saturday's leg, the French pair were solely focused on attempting to secure a few bonus points on the Sassari - Argentiera Power Stage during Sunday's short final leg.

Once again showing their incredible fighting spirit, the six-time World Champions claimed four points, which means they now lie second in the World Championship standings, and only four points behind the new leader.

Whilst it falls short of Citroen Total World Rally Team's hopes for this round, the result means that when the championship resumes after the summer break, they will tackle roads in Finland (1 to 4 August) that have already been cleaned by a competitor.

The forthcoming break will undoubtedly be used by the Red Army to redouble its efforts in preparation for the second half of the season.