Fourmaux wins spectacular harbor test – Solberg still in the lead
Monte Carlo – Olivier Solberg remains the clear leader at the 94th edition of the Rally Monte Carlo. Despite a major incident on the second-to-last special stage of the day, the Toyota driver maintained his clear lead in the overall standings.
Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux provided a special sporting highlight. He won a special stage which, for the first time since 2008, was held on a part of the traditional Monte Carlo Formula 1 circuit that had been marked out in the harbor area, including the start and finish straight. The 13th special stage turned out to be a challenging task for the drivers due to heavy rain. Numerous teams had misjudged their tire choice and opted for super-soft tires.
Fourmaux, on the other hand, showed a controlled and considered driving style and set the fastest time in the narrow guardrail channel. It was also the first special stage win for Hyundai in the opening round of the World Rally Championship season. He beat Toyota driver Takamoto Katsuta by 0.7 seconds on the 2.69-kilometer route.
The race day in the Principality was marked by several incidents. Ford driver Grégoire Munster spun and stalled his Puma Rally1 during the mandatory donut maneuver. The Luxembourger later admitted that his tire choice had not been optimal. A super-soft tire on the rear right wheel did not work as expected in the tight circles.
Former world champion Thierry Neuville also experienced a spin when he accelerated too early at the same point. Nevertheless, the Belgian in the Hyundai set the third-fastest time with a gap of 4.4 seconds. Sébastien Ogier (+4.9 seconds) and Elfyn Evans (+5.5 seconds) completed the top five of the stage. Overall leader Olivier Solberg finished the stage in tenth place.
Ahead of the final and decisive loop on Sunday, Solberg continues to lead the overall standings by 59.3 seconds. Elfyn Evans follows in second place, 26 seconds behind.