Evans and M-Sport poorly rewarded for their efforts at Monte-Carlo

M-Sport will certainly regret the departure of Sébastien Ogier towards Citroën. While the six-time WRC champion leads the Monte-Carlo Rally, the British team saw its three crews abandon the race.

Elfyn Evans was the only one still in contention for big points, occupying 6th place behind Sébastien Loeb (Hyundai). The Welshman saw his day start with a puncture on SS9 before violently going off the road on the following course.

 

 

 

 

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“The first special of the day started well, but we suffered from a rather unfortunate puncture, admits the M-Sport driver. We took it at the back in a corner where everyone cut. We made the choice to reach the finish line this way and I think it was the right decision to make. »

“The next stage, there was a fairly fast left turn that we have been going through for several years. I didn't approach it differently, but it seemed like the grip level was very low. We may have had a patch of dark ice on which several cars passed but which had more success than us. There was a rather steep embankment and trees on the shoulder, the car slipped and that's where our Rally Monte Carlo has ended. »

“Everyone comes to a rally with the best intentions and it was not the aim to start the year on a bad note”, regrets the Welshman.

“It’s been a pretty frustrating weekend., recognizes Richard Millener, the Team Principal of the team. We know we can do better, but unfortunately we haven't been able to prove it. Elfyn rode well and we were confident in his abilities to join the leading group, but it all came to an end this morning. »

M-Sport must now focus its efforts on Teemu Suninen and Pontus Tidemand, even if the two drivers are only 14th and 24th respectively after returning to Rally2. Elfyn Evans can already pack her bags, the withdrawals being final in the penultimate stage.

“It’s still nice to follow their progress over the weekend, positive Richard Millener. They showed great performance considering the amount of knowledge they have here and they will continue to acquire it tomorrow. »