Panizzi wants rain to challenge Puras

Citroen driver Puras has dominated both the opening legs of the event, and with just four stages to go in Sunday's third and final leg, Panizzi says he needs conditions to worsen if he is to challenge him.

"I'm pushing quite hard, but our only chance of catching Puras is if it rains," said the Peugeot star, who won the asphalt Sanremo Rally earlier in the month.

Showers affected a number of today's stages, but that didn't stop Puras's seemingly inexorable charge to a first world championship victory for the Spaniard and the Xsara WRC.

"The car is doing exactly what I want it to do," he said. "I'm confident for tomorrow."

Panizzi's Peugeot team mate Didier Auriol lies third overall, but holds no hopes of battling with the lead pair.

"We must be realistic," said the former world champion. "When we're flat out, Gilles and I are both equal, so I don't try and catch him tomorrow."