The Monza Rally experienced its first accident in the third special of the first stage. Adrien Fourmaux and Alexandre Coria (Ford) had chosen a mix of soft and hard tires following a 100% soft tactic during the first pass. But the M-Sport driver understeered when negotiating a turn, and rolled.

His car came to rest on the guardrail separating the road from the ravine. The crew is unhurt but is not expected to leave today.

His compatriot Sébastien Ogier (Toyota) for his part significantly increased his margin at the head of the event. The Gapençais is now 5″6 ahead of his rival for the title, Elfyn Evans (Toyota). Behind, the Hyundais of Thierry Neuville and Dani Sordo are hanging on as best they can.

Oliver Solberg (Hyundai) played spoilsport thanks to a fourth fastest time and isolated himself from the threat Gus Greensmith (Ford). The instructions do not change for Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota), forced to make up the numbers by his employer in order to secure the Manufacturers' title.

Impressive 4th time from Oliver Solberg (Hyundai)! The Norwegian laughs in his car after having a scare on the course.

Teemu Suninen (Hyundai) passed in front of Fourmaux’s Ford. The Fiesta is balanced on the safety rail delimiting the ravine road, very close to the finish of this ES. The Finn finished with the 6th provisional time.

Gus Greensmith (Ford) reaches the finish line 7″ behind.

Adrien Fourmaux (Ford) opted for a mix between hard and soft tires.

Dani Sordo (Hyundai) spends 5″8 and loses a little ground on his teammate Thierry Neuville in the general classification. “I have a lot of understeer. I can't push like I want. »

Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota) is now 50″ behind in the general classification. “Maybe I was too careful thinking about the poor grip on the first pass. »

It was expected, Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota) respects the team's instructions not to take unnecessary risks, if at all. He finished 10″2 behind. The Finn must secure the Manufacturers’ title.

The special ended badly for Thierry Neuville, who finished 3″9 behind Sébastien Ogier. " I gave everything ! I can not do any more. I was at the limit. I have nothing to lose, I will continue to attack but it seems that we have less grip (than the Toyotas). »

The Belgian is rejected beyond 20″ overall.

In the lead after 4 km, Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) gets a little hot when he hits the side of the road in a tight bend.

On the second intermediate pass, Elfyn Evans only lost 6 tenths.

Ogier drove faster in this second passage, probably thanks to a less slippery road. “It was a little easier. »

At the first intermediate point, Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans are tied by a tenth!

Sébastien Ogier (Toyota) is the first to set off. The sky is cloudy but the road is dry.