Ogier fastest at Monte-Carlo Rally shakedown

Sébastien Ogier was quick to show off with his new frame. At the wheel of the Toyota Yaris WRC, the six-time reigning winner of the event was the fastest in the shakedown contested on the 3,35km Route de la Garde – Gap course.

With a time of 1'57''1 achieved in the first pass, where the conditions were the most favorable, the Frenchman preceded by a tenth Thierry Neuville (Hyundai). Elfyn Evans (Toyota) followed 6 tenths behind while the defending champion Ott Tänak (Hyundai) ranked more than a second behind.

Teemu Suninen (M-Sport) led the group of Finns by finishing in 5th place ahead of his teammate Esapekka Lappi and rookie Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota).

Sébastien Loeb (Hyundai) started cautiously by setting the 9th fastest time between Gus Greensmith (M-Sport) and Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota).

In WRC 2, it was Mads Ostberg (Citroën C3 R5) who was the fastest with a time of 2’04”1, almost 2 seconds ahead of Adrien fourmaux (Ford Fiesta R5). Yoann Bonato (Citroën C3 R5) and Nicolas Ciamin (Citroën) finished tied in the Top 5 in the category behind Ole Christian Veiby (Hyundai i20 R5). Éric Camilli (Citroën C3 R5) followed a few tenths behind.

Shakedown ranking of Rally Monte Carlo

1. Sébastien Ogier (Toyota) – 1’57”1
2. Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) – 1’57”2
3. Elfyn Evans (M-Sport) – 1’57”7
4. Ott Tänak (Hyundai) – 1’58”3
5. Teemu Suninen (M-Sport) – 1’59”4
6. Esapekka Lappi (M-Sport) – 1’59”7
7. Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota) – 2’00”0
8. Gus Greensmith (M-Sport) – 2’00”2
9. Sébastien Loeb (Hyundai) – 2’00”4
10. Takamoto Katusta (Toyota) – 2’01”9

The Monte-Carlo Rally will begin this Thursday at 20:38 p.m. with the Malijai – Puimichel special. The event will be followed live with our live text.