In the Catalan night during the special N.14 from 7:00 am, Ogier was overtaken by Dani Sordo (Hyundai), best time of the specials 14 and 15, and is now 1.6 seconds behind the Spaniard.
Before the last two specials from 10:29 am, Neuville still dominates the rally with 20.6 seconds ahead of Elfyn Evans (Toyota), 39 seconds over Sordo and 40.6 over Ogier.
Prior to this 11th out of 12 rounds this season, Ogier was 24 points ahead of Evans.
To be titled this Sunday, he had to finish ahead of the Welshman and regain six points in the championship.
For the moment, it is Evans who would take six points from him, to be 18 lengths behind the seven-time world champion before the final at the Rallye de Monza (19-21 November).
The Power Stage, the 17th and last special on Sunday (12:18 p.m.), which has bonus points in the championship (5 for the winner then 4, 3, 2, 1), will be particularly important in this context.