TRIER, Germany: Sebastien Ogier led a Volkswagen 1-2-3 to win the Rally of Germany for the second time Sunday and move within touching distance of a third consecutive world title.

Ogier, who began the day with a commanding 33.8-second lead over Jari-Matti Latvala, finished 23.0 seconds ahead of his Finnish teammate and 1 minute 56.6 seconds ahead of another Volkswagen driver, Andreas Mikkelsen of Norway.

It was the German manufacturer’s first home victory since it entered the World Rally Championship in 2013.

“The pressure was on all weekend because everyone expected us to be successful on our home round but we made it,” said Ogier, who previously won the rally while racing for Citroen in 2011.

“I’m so close to my third title and it’s been a fantastic weekend for us,” he added.

Ogier crashed out last year, but showed his prowess on military training roads and led from the first day this time around.

It was the 31-year-old Frenchman’s sixth victory of the season and his 30th overall, putting him level with Marcus Gronholm of Finland in second place on the all-time list. He still has some way to go to match compatriot Sebastian Loeb’s record of 78.

With four races remaining, Ogier leads the standings with 207 points, ahead of Latvala on 114 and Mikkelsen on 98. He can clinch his third successive title if he finishes ahead of Latvala at the Rally Australia on Sept. 10-13.