Ogier hits hard from the start, Neuville and Meeke left behind

With Thoard – Sisteron and the passage of the Col de Fontbelle, one of the monuments of Rally Monte-Carlo, as an opening, the organizers were almost guaranteed a start to the event that could offer twists and turns.

This first SS did not betray its reputation, and caused damage to the peloton, led this Thursday evening by Sébastien Ogier (M-Sport Ford) who best escaped the pitfalls of the first stage.

The five-time world champion, despite a slow spin in SS1 on an icy section, was in fact the fastest on the opening course, with two best times. The Frenchman is ahead of Andreas Mikkelsen (Hyundai) of 17″3 and Dani Sordo (Hyundai) of 25″6.

The Toyota by Esapekka Lappi, Ott Tänak and Jari-Matti Latvala follow at 37″4, 42″4 and 55″4, Latvala having spun twice in Thoard – Sisteron. Craig Breen places the first Citroën at 1'02"3 after also having to receive help from spectators in SS1, and ahead of Bryan Bouffier (M-Sport Ford), eighth at 1'51".

Kris Meeke, Thierry Neuville and Elfyn Evans already far away

Kris Meeke (Citroën) follows in the standings but at 2'12″7 after being stuck in a ditch, and being forced to wait for help from spectators in SS1. The British precedes the first WRC-2 from Eric Camilli (Ford Fiesta R5), tenth at 2'42″2.

Elfyn Evans (M-Sport Ford) was also slowed down on SS1, after a puncture, and lost almost 3'50”. The driver from Malcolm Wilson's team is in 14th position this evening at 4'12”.

Counting among the favorites of the event, Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) is another big loser of this inaugural evening after going off the road and getting stuck on a snowy embankment in SS1.

“I came into the corner about 5kmh too fast and that was enough for me to go out. I had to wait for the spectators to come to my aid.” The Belgian lost 4'16" on the first special, before falling 1"4 behind Ogier in SS2, and is 4'18" overall in 15th position.

The Monte-Carlo Rally will continue tomorrow with SS3 Vitrolles – Oze 1 (26,72 km) scheduled from 8:51 a.m., and which will be followed live on our website with our live text.

Monte-Carlo Rally ranking after Stage 1