The subject came back on the table during the last Rally from Latvia when Thierry Neuville raised his voice, tired of the inaction of the authorities in the face of a problem that has been highlighted by the drivers for a long time. The starting order of the rallies is starting to become a problem when it comes to tackling a test, especially for the championship leader.
The best-placed driver in the general classification is in fact condemned to open the road during the first two stages, namely the specials on Thursday and Friday. The position of opener can be a real handicap on certain rounds, like in Latvia where the first car sweeps the layer of earth and gravel on the following ones. Conversely, in other conditions, it can be more favorable to start among the leaders. Wednesday, Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota) noted a deterioration of the road, which became muddy after several passages during the Shakedown.
"The road gets dirty very quickly, it's not bad to be in the first positions." analyzed the double world champion. "The starting order is likely to play a very big role." partage Sébastien Ogier. "We are not in front, but not very far either (4th, Editor's note), so we will not have the best conditions... but not the worst. We will have to deal with it."
ALSO READ > Rallye Monte-Carlo – Sébastien Ogier: “The starting order will play an important role”
The two Toyota drivers will not have the honour of opening the road on the first special stage, as the task will fall to the reigning champion, Thierry Neuville. The starting order is based on the previous championship standings, with Elfyn Evans (Toyota) and Ott Tänak (Hyundai) will follow suit. This order is maintained during the first two stages on Thursday and Friday, then things change for the last two days.
From Saturday morning, the starting order is based on the general Rally classification and the leader sets off last, which helps to rebalance the debate a little and allow some to make up for lost time.
The starting order of the first two stages of the Rallye Monte-Carlo
1) Thierry Neuville (Hyundai)
2)Elfyn Evans (Toyota)
3)Ott Tanak (Hyundai)
4)Sebastien Ogier (Toyota)
5)Adrien fourmaux (Hyundai)
6) Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota)
7) Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota)
8)Gregoire Munster (M-Sport Ford)
9) Sami Pajari (Toyota)
10)Joshua McErlean (M-Sport Ford)
ALSO READ > Rallye Monte Carlo 2025: Program and timetable of the first stage
Continue reading on these topics:
Comment on this article! 0