WRC – Ogier and Volkswagen crush the Monte-Carlo Rally

Sébastien Ogier savor its third success at Rally Monte Carlo, his second in a row in WRC (his 2009 victory counting for the IRC). The native of Gap remained out of reach of the competition until the finish to win in front of his teammates Jari-Matti Latvala and Andreas Mikkelsen who offered a superb hat-trick for Volkswagen. The Finn, who was aiming for a top 4 finish, won his first podium in this event and is only six points behind the Frenchman after setting the third fastest time in the Power Stage.

Despite engine problems, Mads Ostberg places the first Citroën in fourth position. The French manufacturer was undoubtedly hoping for a better result with Sébastien Loeb and Kris Meeke selected to score points in the Manufacturers' Championship. But the Alsatian only took eighth place after taking the advantage over Martin Prokop, while Kris Meeke completes the top ten. The two teammates made up for it by being the fastest in the Power Stage with the Northern Irishman in the lead by two tenths ahead of the seven-time winner of the event.

Hyundai animated this end of the event with a magnificent duel between Dani Sordo and Thierry Neuville. The Belgian snatched fifth place for only eight tenths ahead on his teammate. The two i20 WRCs are followed at a good distance by Elfyn Evans (Ford). Robert Kubica (Ford), however, did not see the finish of the Monte-Carlo Rally. The Pole violently went off the road after crossing the finish line at the Col de Turini (SS14) being betrayed by his brakes, but the crew is fine.

Stéphane Lefebvre (DS3 R5) takes his first victory in WRC2 by winning with a large lead over Craig Breen (Peugeot 208 T16 R5) and Armin Kremer (Skoda Fabia S2000). The WRC2 classification was disrupted in the Col de Turini. Éric Camilli (Fiesta R5) was on the podium before damaging his car by hitting a stone, dropping him to fourth. Martin Koci (Fiesta R5) was also fighting for a place in the top three when he retired after hitting a tree. Jonathan Hirschi (208 T16 R3) completes the top five ahead of Quentin Giordano (DS3 R5) and Alain Foulon (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo XN).

Quentin Gilbert (DS3 R3) wins in JWRC with 44 seconds ahead of Christian Riedemann (DS3 R3) and Ole Veiby (DS3 R3). Stéphane Consani (Clio R3) completes the top five between Simone Tempestini (DS3 R3) and Yohan Rossel (DS3 R3). François Delecour (Porsche 911) wins R-GT victory just three minutes ahead of Romain Dumas' Porsche.

The videos of the event can be consulted here.

Discover the analysis of the Monte-Carlo Rally carried out by our special correspondents in issue 1996 of AUTOhebdo, available from tomorrow evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.