I think it's now more a matter of when rather than if Tanak wins the championship, hands down he has been the best driver of the three winning six events! Neuville hasn't won since Argentina back in April...and even a podium is distant memory back in Portugal in May, was he asleep this entire time? he can't be serious about a championship contention and only now waking up seeing it's too little, too late....and a good word for Mikkelsen, yes he has lost the battle to Evans, but for someone who hasn't done all rounds this year and still remain 4th in the championship is a step-up for him (& luckily for Hyundai) after 2018.
As for Ogier, I bet he's cursing the moment he signed for Citroen, it's the C3's third year and even with Sebastien, they still haven't found a solution to make that car work in all conditions...to win a championship you have to have the entire package, Ogier knows this and does seem really frustrated, I mean, he pushed like hell in the power stage and still Tanak was 0.5 second faster (and that's before I've mentioned Lappi....who hasn't delivered this weekend..and hasn't taken almost any points from Ogier's rivals)....

If you look at where they stand now (points wise) compared to last year, you'll actually see there's not a huge difference for Ogier & Neuville, however what makes Ott stand out is the fact that he and that Yaris are in perfect tune like Ogier himself was back in the Polo, and Loeb with the Xsara,C4,& DS3...and if Citroen don't pick up the glove next year then they can call it quits.

The most intriguing (IMHO) battle left to play out for the season is the Manu. title. I really hope to see Hyundai win it, because I don't want to see them leave (and Adamo with them).

Again, this is just how I see it, I totally understand if some of you may not agree, hopefully I'm wrong and we'll see this title fight go down to the wire down under (between Ogier & Tanak)...anyhow, we'll be wiser in three weeks time, as someone mentioned before, Tanak only need 2 points more than Ogier to clinch his first WDC.