Monte-Carlo, SS1: Ogier hits hard, Loeb just behind!

Le Rally Monte-Carlo 2022 began this Thursday, January 20 in the dark with the poster that all rally fans were waiting for: a duel between the Sébastiens.

Sébastien Ogier a frappé le premier. Le Gapençais, au volant de la Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 hybride, était le premier à s’élancer entre Lucéram et Lantosque. L’octuple champion du monde, copilote par Benjamin Veillas, a largué tout le monde, sauf… son compatriote Sébastien Loeb (Ford).

The Alsatian, associated for the first time with Isabelle Galmiche, kindly pulled her straps up once she had passed the timing cell. “Damn, you get lost and then you go through the notes too quickly. I don't know where you are anymore. »

Well no ! The 47-year-old veteran set the second time, only 5''4 behind his pursuer in the list of the most successful drivers in the WRC. “We had a good start, but we had a difficult section, I was a little too careful in an icy zone. The Ford has a lot of power, the feeling is great. We don't waste a lot of time, it's not that bad. »

Behind, the Hyundai i20 ont pris le bouillon. Ott Tänak didn't even stop at the stop point to communicate his impressions (9th). Thierry Neuville chose to mix his tires between super soft and soft, but the Belgian is only 7th.

Finally, the good surprise of this SS1 is to the credit of Gus Greensmith (Ford). The Briton, known more for his free figures than for his flying skills, is ahead of his colleague Craig Breen and finished just behind Elfyn Evans (Toyota). Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota) suffered a spin.

In WRC2, Éric Camilli (Citroën) leads the way. The French driver is ahead of Nikolay Gryazin (Skoda) and the defending champion, Andreas Mikkelsen (Skoda). His compatriots Stéphane Lefebvre (Citroën) and Yohan Rossel (Citroën) are 4th and 6th.