Neuville finally takes on the Monte-Carlo Rally

Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) continued his attack started on the second day. By winning 3 special stages in the last stage, the vice-champion took control of the event and thus offered himself his first victory in the Rally Monte-Carlo, becoming the second Belgian after Jacques Édouard Ledure in 1924 to win this round.

As a bonus, Thierry Neuville won the Power Stage with less than a tenth ahead of Sébastien Ogier (Toyota). Elfyn Evans (Toyota) followed in 3rd place ahead of Esapekka Lappi (M-Sport). The Belgian suffered a slight scare by damaging his rim on the penultimate course, but the title contender holds on to his success after losing by 2 seconds to Sébastien Ogier last year.

“We wanted to do our best to achieve this victory and it’s finally here, it’s great”, rejoiced the winner who had a perfect weekend by winning his 13th victory in WRC.

Sébastien Ogier snatched second place by winning his duel against his teammate Elfyn Evans by only 1”7 behind. The Welshman nevertheless created a surprise by remaining a candidate for victory and completing the podium.

“We would have signed for such a result. The car has great potential, but it’s always complicated to start on a new car”, commented the six-time world champion.

Esapekka Lappi leads the second group, finishing several minutes from the podium, ahead of his compatriot Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota). Fourth at the start of the day, Sébastien Loeb (Hyundai) fell to 6th position by making a poor tire choice. The Alsatian relied on the rain and had to deal with very worn tires over the last few kilometers. The nine-time world champion ranks ahead of Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota).

Mads Ostberg (Citroën) won in WRC 2 with a large lead over Adrien fourmaux (Ford). The Norwegian completed the Top 10 in the general classification behind Éric Camilli (Citroën), winner of WRC 3, and Teemu Suninen (M-Sport). Behind the Scandinavian, the French on the Citroëns follow a few tens of seconds behind with Nicolas Ciamin, Yoann Bonato and Yohan Rossel.

Thierry Neuville is thus the first leader of the season with 8 points ahead of Sébastien Ogier. Elfyn Evans follows 13 points behind the Belgian, ahead of Esapekka Lappi and Kalle Rovanperä. Hyundai leads the Manufacturers' championship with a 2-point lead over Toyota. M-Sport is 15 lengths behind.

Discover the analysis of the Monte-Carlo Rally carried out by our special correspondents in issue 2252 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.