Loeb adopted a low-key approach through six forest stages

The Frenchman is currently third in his Citroen C4 and that would be more than enough to win the drivers' crown again.

After six forest stages plus a short stage in the Cardiff Millennium Stadium watched by almost 27,000, leader Mikko Hirvonen's advantage was 35.5 seconds.

Ford's Marcus Gronholm, who must win and hope Loeb finishes sixth or lower to snatch the title, is second.

I'm doing what I have to - there will be no attack from me Sebastien Loeb

Gronholm, whose crash in the last round in Ireland put Loeb in the box seat, said: "I'm under no stress or pressure - there's nothing I can do about Sebastien.

"We will just see what happens - there's another big day. Anything can still happen."

Loeb, who has taken a low-risk approach throughout, said: "Everything is going to plan. I'm doing what I have to - there will be no attack from me.

"I've had no problems and I'm trying to be as smooth as possible."

606: DEBATE I was hoping for a winner-takes-all duel but now it is a case of seeing if Loeb stays on the road or not withnail4ever

Matthew Wilson remains the best placed British driver but slipped one place to seventh, while Andreas Mikkelsen, an 18-year-old Norwegian, rolled his Ford Focus out of the top 10 on stage nine.

Stage 12 at Halfway had to be abandoned when the MG of Stuart Jones and Andy Bull went off the road.

Co-driver Bull, 36, from Birmingham, was reported to have broken a collar bone and was taken to Merthyr Tydfil Hospital.