Neuville charges while Ogier sweeps in Sardinia

Belgium's Thierry Neuville in a Hyundai led the Rally of Sardinia on Friday, edging a triple Volkswagen assault including world champion Sebastien Ogier who was slowed by having to 'sweep' the dusty tracks

Neuville finished the day 11.1 sec ahead of Jari-Matti Latvala with Ogier 40.3sec off the lead. Andreas Mikkelsen, in a third Volkswagen, was 57.5sec behind Neuville.

World championship leader Ogier, who has admitted he will quit the rally should his pregnant wife go into labour over the weekend, led the field off in the day's eight stages.

"I was helped by the cleaner roads in the morning, but in the afternoon we kept good pace and that increased our confidence. I hope we can continue in the same rhythm tomorrow," said Neuville.

"We had many issues at the end of last year and this year and it?s well-deserved."

French driver Ogier gambled with soft compound Michelin tyres when temperatures were cooler in the morning to try to improve grip on the slippery gravel.

But he still slipped back in the afternoon.