(Reuters) – Thierry Neuville gained the Rally of Spain for Hyundai on Sunday because the title battle between Toyota staff mates Sebastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans was despatched right down to the ultimate spherical in Italy subsequent month.

Evans completed second to chop Ogier’s result in 17 factors, with a most 30 remaining to be gained, because the Frenchman ended up fourth and behind Hyundai’s Dani Sordo.

Ogier is chasing his eighth championship in 9 years and the final earlier than he retires from full-time rallying.

Welshman Evans is the one driver who can deny him the crown.

Neuville’s dominant 24.1-second win on the asphalt roads across the resort of Salou, south of Barcelona, was the Belgian’s second of the season.

Sordo gained the ultimate Energy Stage for 5 bonus factors, with Neuville second and Evans third. Ogier was fourth, for 2 additional factors, and staff mate Kalle Rovanpera fifth.

Toyota lead Hyundai within the producers’ standings by 47 factors.

(Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London, enhancing by Ed Osmond)