Sebastien Ogier’s pursuit of a seventh-straight world rally title has been boosted by the addition of a third Citroen at next month’s Rally Australia in Coffs Harbour.

Norway’s Mads Ostberg will drive for the first time in the World Rally Championship’s season at the tour’s final stop, where teammate Ogier will chase series leader Ott Tanak.

The Toyota driver leads Ogier by 28 points entering this weekend’s penultimate round in Spain.

The French champion, chasing compatriot Sebastien Loeb’s record of nine crowns, will attempt to draw within reach of Tanak and then pip him for the title in Australia.

The addition of Ostberg to the 26-strong WRC field announced on Friday could potentially take points off Tanak given he will have the benefit of a later start and cleaner roads when racing begins on November 14.

“We’ll wait and see the result of Rally Spain, but I have no doubt that Citroen with a faster car and Ogier with his legendary fight-from-behind ability are capable of forcing a championship decider (in Coffs Harbour),” Rally Australia clerk of course Wayne Kenny said.

“The most exciting thing about the WRC is its unpredictability … something as seemingly minor as a puncture or a spin in Spain or Australia could change the result of the championship.”