Tänak and Evans, losers of the day in Monte-Carlo

Fourth this morning at the start of the third stage of the Rally Monte Carlo, Ott Tänak was battling with the Volkswagen Polo R of Andreas Mikkelsen in 3rd. But an exit from the road in the passage in the 51,7 km of Lardier-et-Valença – Faye put an end to the hopes of a podium for the Estonian, author of a very good first part of the event.

“It was just a quick corner and there was a bit of gravel on the road that we weren't expecting. I didn't have time to correct and we slid off the road. I have to say a big thank you to the spectators who came to help us, because without them there would have been no chance of getting the car back on the road. » specifies Tänak who is in 20th place this evening, more than 19′ behind from leader Sébastien Ogier.

The troubles for M-Sport did not stop there since the Welshman Elfyn Evans, 5th before SS11, damaged its suspension in this timed sector, then lost more than 2'20 in the following special between Sisteron and Thoard. Seventh before the last stage tomorrow, Evans is more than 1'30 behind the Hyundai i20 WRC de Thierry Neuville which precedes it in the ranking. “We got through the corner, but when I put the power back on, it was a lot more slippery than expected and the rear end hit the wall. I broke a suspension arm. We are very lucky to be here. »

The last stage of Monte-Carlo will start tomorrow at 9:35 a.m. and will always be followed live on our website. Photos of the event can be viewed here, and videos are available here.