Chasing his maiden world title after four runner-up finishes, the Belgian is three points adrift of five-time defending champion Sebastien Ogier going into the Rally Australia series finale starting on Friday.

Admitting a begrudging amount of respect for his French adversary, Neuville - who had led the drivers' standings for a bulk of the season - plans to take "the maximum amount of risk" to beat Ogier.

"We are not the best friends but we are rivals and respect each other for our performances," Neuville told media on his arrival in Coffs Harbour.

"I've been second many times in the championship now - we are so close to the main goal.

"If we need to take more risks because we need to pass Sebastien we're going to try ... we'll take the maximum risks.

"If you gain only two or three seconds ... in this fight it could make the difference."

Ogier has surged late in the season to enter the three-day battle as series leader and says the feeling is mutual when it comes to his main rival.

"We are different, definitely, but most important we're in a great fight together and respect each other for that," the French driver said.

"It's about trying to beat each other and do it with respect."

Estonia's Ott Tanak sits 23 points back and with 30 points up for grabs can also claim the overall spoils in what is being billed as the tightest series finale in 15 years and the first to be decided in Coffs Harbour.

Ogier will be hoping for some Friday morning rain to settle the dust and gravel before he sets off first on what will be more than 300km of timed racing through the NSW north coast's forests.

Australian Associated Press