Ogier narrowly wins the Monte-Carlo Rally

Le Rally Monte-Carlo 2019 has become the closest edition in the history of the Monaco round. By winning with only 2”2 ahead of Thierry Neuville (Hyundai), Sébastien Ogier (Citroën) wins this event for the 7th time, all with a 4th manufacturer after Peugeot in 2009 (in ERC), Volkswagen from 2014 to 2016, Ford in 2017 and 2018 and now Citroën. Sébastien Ogier also remains undefeated on home soil since 2013.

“It’s the rally I’ve won the most, commented the winner at the finish of the Monte-Carlo Rally. I was annoyed by his accelerator problems (since SS14). I feel both relieved and happy. This is my 6th consecutive victory won with a third manufacturer. I think it's not too bad. »

Thierry Neuville accepts his defeat with difficulty, especially sincea mistake made in the second step had cost him seconds by the handful. The Belgian came very close to a first success at the Monte-Carlo Rally, which Hyundai has never won before.

“We can regret this mistake, recognized the vice-world champion. It's hard to live with, but the result remains positive because we score a lot of points. We would have loved to win but we are now focusing on the next events. »

Ott Tänak (Toyota) completes the podium by finishing 13 seconds ahead of Sébastien Loeb (Hyundai) who narrowly saved his 4th place for 1”7 ahead of Jari-Matti Latvala.

“We weren't that fast. We must continue to work. This 4th place is not bad », admitted the nine-time champion WRC who saw his record of victories at Monte-Carlo equaled by Sébastien Ogier.

Kris Meeke (Toyota) completes the WRC rankings by securing 6th position. The Northern Irishman also took the Power Stage by finishing 4 seconds ahead of Sébastien Ogier who was less than 2 seconds ahead of Thierry Neuville in the final special while the Belgian had come back to only 4 tenths of the lead. leader. Ott Tänak and Teemu Suninen (M-Sport) complete the Top 5 of the special.

Gus Greensmith (Ford) takes victory in WRC 2 Pro while taking 7th place in the general classification with almost a minute ahead of Yoann Bonato (Citroën), winner of WRC 2 ahead of Stéphane Sarrazin (Hyundai), not registered in WRC 2, and Adrien fourmaux (Ford).

Sébastien Ogier will enter the Swedish Rally (February 14-17) with an 8-point lead over Thierry Neuville. Ott Tänak is 12 points behind six-time WRC champion Kris Meeke follows at 16 points, one more than Sébastien Loeb engaged on a partial program. Jari-Matti Latvala is one of the Citroën pilots.

Hyundai consoles itself by occupying the lead in the Manufacturers' Championship, 5 points ahead of Citroën Racing and Toyota Gazoo Racing. M-Sport suffered and is 16 lengths behind the Korean manufacturer.

Discover the analysis of the Monte-Carlo Rally carried out by our special correspondents in issue 2201 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms and from this Wednesday on newsstands.