Neuville leader of Monte-Carlo after the night specials

If two first stages of Monte-Carlo 2020 were contested this Thursday, January 23, it was in reality the second timed sector which launched the hostilities. 

Run on a completely dry and fast road, SS1 did not create any gaps, which SS2 was quick to correct. Punctuated by two climbs and several icy portions, the route allowed Thierry Neuville and Nicolas Gilsoul (Hyundai) to stand out.

The Belgians, slightly behind after SS1, did more than recover. They return to the service park with peace of mind, and for good reason: 19” ahead of Sébastien Ogier  and Julien Ingrassia and 25”1 on their new teammates Ott Tänak and Martin Jarveoja! 

One of the new recruits of the Toyota Gazoo Racing, Elfyn Evans, chases Ott Tänak by a few tenths. Behind, the gap is significant. Co-record holder for victories at Monte-Carlo, Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena are already rejected at almost a minute!

Le clan M-Sport is in even more difficulty. Teemu Suninen gave up due to a transmission problem, while Gus Greensmith stopped on the side of the road. Only Esapekka Lappi survives despite a problem with the high engine temperature of the Ford Fiesta (leaves blocking the air intake). 

En WRC 2, Adrien fourmaux (Ford) lost more than three minutes at the end of SS2 following a still unknown problem. A cruel disappointment for the Frenchman who was faster than Mads Ostberg (Citroën) during SS1.

Ranking after ES2: