8th Monte-Carlo for Sébastien Ogier

Alone in the world. In rally-raid there is “Monsieur Dakar” to refer to Stéphane Peterhansel (record holder with 14 successes). In WRC, it will now be necessary to say “Monsieur Monte-Carlo” when talking about Sébastien Ogier.

In a modified and shortened course due to the health crisis, the Frenchman once again showed the full extent of his talent. Reigning world champion, Sébastien Ogier began the quest for his eighth crown in the best possible way: a victory at Monte-Carlo.

Sébastien Ogier went to get this victory himself. Plagued by mechanical problems (brakes, editor's note) during the first day, the Gapençais and local of the event came back even stronger on Friday.

Cette deuxième journée a été presque parfaite. Avec quatre scratchs en cinq spéciales, le pilote Toyota avait surclassé ses rivaux. Malheureusement, une crevaison et un tête-à-queue lors de l’ES6 lui ont fait perdre la tête du général revenue à Elfyn Evans.

Hit but not sunk, Sébastien Ogier is in the game on Saturday. From the outset, he regained first place by pushing the Welshman back to 17”8 in SS8 (10’ overall). He then calmly ends the day with a 13-second mattress before attacking Sunday.

This final day, the seven-time world champion masterfully managed two scratches and a third place before definitively hitting the nail on the head during the Power Stage (SS14) with another special victory, their eighth of the week. -end.

 Congratulations @SebOgier and #JulienIngrassia

 50th #WRC win with a record eighth victory at #RallyMonteCarlo #WRC @ACM_Media @TGR_WRC

- WRC - FIA World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) January 24, 2021

Sébastien Ogier, always accompanied by his faithful co-driver Julien Ingrassia, won his eighth Monte-Carlo and now alone occupies the first row of the event's prize list. Sebastian Loeb and Daniel Elena and their seven victories on the rally are only a distant memory for the French who is entering a little more into the history of the discipline.

He finished more than 30 seconds ahead of Elfyn Evans. Thierry Neuville completes the podium of this 2021 edition. The Belgian is relegated to more than 1’10 from the race lead.

In the drivers' standings, Sébastien Ogier logically takes the lead with 30 points. Elfyn Evans is nine lengths behind her teammate.

Au classement constructeurs, Toyota devance de 22 points Hyundai. Ford est troisième à 42 unités.

 #WRC Championship Standings after #RallyMonteCarlo 

Full results and standings https://t.co/m2aWjw9Ya9#WRC #WRClive @ACM_Media @TGR_WRC @HMSGOfficial @MSportLtd pic.twitter.com/xzyZMUngMT

- WRC - FIA World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) January 24, 2021

Discover the analysis of the Monte-Carlo Rally carried out by our special correspondents in issue 2296 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version and from this Wednesday on newsstands.