The Monte Carlo Rally is set for a dramatic final stage showdown as Adrien Fourmaux, running on slick tires, seeks his maiden WRC victory. Changeable weather conditions have shaken up the leaderboard, with the top three separated by only 22.2 seconds. Toyota's Sebastien Ogier continues to lead, but he faces a strong challenge from his teammate Elfyn Evans and the determined Fourmaux. Multiple retirements, including those of Takamoto Katsuta, Sami Pajari, and Gregoire Munster, have added further intrigue to the race.
The World Rally Championship's Monte Carlo opener is heading towards a dramatic final stage showdown with a mere 22.2 seconds separating the top three drivers. Changeable weather conditions have shaken up the leaderboard, adding an extra layer of excitement to the race. Toyota's Sebastien Ogier , aiming for a record-extending 10th Monte Carlo victory, successfully navigated the treacherous icy conditions on the first two stages of the day. However, his lead has been significantly reduced to 18.
1 seconds by his Toyota teammate Elfyn Evans. Hyundai's Adrien Fourmaux is firmly in contention for the win, trailing the leader by a mere 22.2 seconds. The Frenchman's bold tyre strategy, opting for four slick tires, could prove pivotal in the final stage. Fourmaux utilized his Hankook slicks to dominate Stage 17, Digne-les-Bains/Chaudon-Norante, shaving 23.9 seconds off Ogier's lead who was running on winter tires.If the forecast holds true and the final stage remains dry and snow-free, Fourmaux could be in a commanding position to claim his first WRC victory. His rivals, who have opted for more snow tires than slicks, might struggle to keep pace. Hyundai's Ott Tanak briefly climbed to third after Stage 16 but slipped back to fourth after encountering difficulties on the winter tires during Stage 17. Two-time world champion Kalle Rovanpera, mirroring Fourmaux's tyre strategy, opted for four super softs and just two snow tires. After successfully navigating the icy patches on Stage 16, the Finn emerged as the only driver within the same time bracket as Fourmaux, trailing him by a mere 4.5 seconds. Rovanpera's impressive pace has placed him firmly in the fight with Tanak for fourth overall, sitting just 3.1 seconds behind heading into the final stage.The drama unfolded further in Stage 16, with multiple retirements adding another layer of intensity to the race. Reigning world champion Thierry Neuville capitalized on the misfortune, surging from eighth to sixth overall. Drama struck first when Toyota's Takamoto Katsuta spun off the road 1.8 km into the stage. Despite the efforts of spectators trying to push his GR Yaris back onto the track, he was unable to continue. Shortly after, Hyundai's Sami Pajari misjudged his entry into a bridge, clipping the concrete and triggering a major impact that instantly ended his race. Pajari and co-driver Marko Salminen were thankfully reported unharmed after the crash. The retirements continued on Stage 17 when M-Sport Ford's Gregoire Munster became the third Rally1 car to withdraw from the competition. The Luxembourger understeered into a rock face, causing his Puma to spin violently, partially blocking the road. M-Sport Ford debutant Josh McErlean, however, skillfully managed the challenging conditions to inherit seventh overall. WRC2 leader Yohan Rossel moved into eighth, while Nikolay Gryazin, who suffered a puncture, and Gus Greensmith trailed behind
WRC Monte Carlo Rally Adrien Fourmaux Sebastien Ogier Elfyn Evans Tyre Strategy Rally1 Retirements
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