Monte-Carlo Rally 2021
08h
The next ES: Montauban sur l’Ouvèze – Villebois les Pins will start at 9:01 a.m.
08h
Ranking after ES4:
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ES4 ranking:
08h
Sébastien Ogier (Toyota) took control of the Monte-Carlo Rally at the end of the 4th special, the 2nd of the day this Friday morning. The Frenchman set the best time between Chalançon and Gumiane, ahead of his teammates Kalle Rovanperä and Eflyn Evans by 7″6 and 9″0.
Worse for Rovanperä, a 10″ penalty for late scoring before the SS caused him to lose control of the race to Ogier, the world champion having a 3″3 margin over Evans and 9″7 on the Finnish.
The Hyundai drivers were further behind, since Ott Tänak, victim of loss of boost coming out of the hairpins, conceded 11″9, and Thierry Neuville lost 28″3 with a snow tire fitted to his i20. Overall, the two teammates are in 4th and 5th positions, 12″7 and 34″7 behind Ogier. Dani Sordo follows at 1’27″2.
In WRC2, Andreas Mikkelsen (Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo) continues by ahead of Adrien Fourmaux (Ford Fiesta Rally2) by 15″1 to increase his lead to 25″3 overall.
08h
Adrien Fourmaux gives up 15″1 on Mikkelsen on this SS4. 25″3 separate the two rivals in the general to the advantage of the Nordic. “Very tough stage with the slicks,” admits the Frenchman. It was pretty dirty, and easy to make a mistake. You have to keep the rhythm like that. »
08h
“We didn't take any big risks, staying on the line. I'm pretty happy at the moment. » underlines Mikkelsen.
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14'21″2 for Andreas Mikkelsen (Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo). The Norwegian is battling with Adrien Fourmaux (Ford Fiesta Rally2) in WRC2.
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The first WRC2 and WRC3 drivers will soon arrive at the finish line. Note a spin for Oliver Solberg (Hyundai i20 R5), but Petter's son was able to restart.
08h
Pierre-Louis Loubet (Hyundai) finished 47″4 behind Ogier on this SS4.
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44″3 lost by Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota) on Ogier’s scratch.
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Gus Greensmith (M-Sport Ford) continues his difficult Monte-Carlo Rally, losing more than 42″ to Ogier. “I don't drive well, and it was getting really muddy and when there's no grip I don't have confidence. »
08h
“We had a bit of snow at the back and the car was often sideways in the corners. Very difficult. » describes Sordo.
07h
14'09″4 for Sordo, 32″6 behind Ogier.
07h
Note that Rovanperä should receive a 10″ penalty for a late score.
07h
2nd provisional time for Rovanperä, 7″6 behind Ogier.
07h
Ogier seems to be heading towards the scratch since Rovanperä gives him 5″3 in the third partial.
07h
“We have a different tire strategy and I had a snow tire fitted,” explains Neuville. the conditions were better than expected and the road will become more slippery for the cars following us, we can see the times are increasing. I did the best I could with the tires available. »
07h
28″3 late for Neuville at the finish. The Belgian discusses certain notes of the ES with his co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe.
07h
21″9 behind in the 3rd part then 26″ in the 4th part! Neuville gives up a lot of ground on this course.
07h
Tänak is now 12″7 behind Ogier in the general classification.
