Monte-Carlo – Ogier concludes the first stage as leader ahead of Evans

Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia (Toyota) se sont montrés fidèles à leur rang de co-recordmen de victoires au Monte-Carlo. L’équipage français a pris les commandes de la manche d’ouverture de la saison 2020 du WRC this Friday January 24 during the three afternoon specials.

While their teammate Elfyn Evans had stolen the lead of the event in the morning, the six-time world champion duo probably found the instructions for the Yaris WRC after the lunch break.

Constantly faster than the Welshman, Sébastien Ogier reacted in style. This evening, he returns to the service park as leader, but he will hardly be able to breathe on Saturday. In fact, his lead does not exceed 1”2 over Elfyn Evans!

The third thief Thierry Neuville (Hyundai), après une ES2 de nuit particulièrement remarquée, cravache après une poignée de secondes perdues en cours de route. C’est vraisemblablement parmi ce trio de tête que se jouera la victoire dimanche.

Rejected after more than a minute, Sébastien Loeb (Hyundai) will serve the Manufacturers' championship for the Asian brand, its leader Ott Tänak having retired following an impressive crash. 

During SS4, going at 180 km/h, Ott Tänak and Martin Jarveoja (Hyundai) took off:

Huh huh! Tänakin ulosajo oli tosiaan raju! #rally #mmralli #WRC #rally pic.twitter.com/HA4F7LBpJ5

— Tomi Tuominen (@T_Tuominen) January 24, 2020

The reigning world champion crew was taken to hospital for a routine medical check-up. It is obviously the abandonment for the duo, first leader of Monte-Carlo on Thursday evening.

not good
@RaitsKv pic.twitter.com/eryH0EUnHd

— Ken Järveoja (@jarveoja) January 24, 2020

General classification after SS8:

The third day of Rally Monte-Carlo will begin with the 9th special St Léger les Mélèzes – La Bâtie Neuve 1 (16,87 km), to be followed live with our live text from 9:38 p.m.