Toyota’s French star Sebastien Ogier didn’t shine yet at the test special stage of the World Rally Championship in Monte Carlo. Ogier’s best move was enough for fourth place in the test.
– I was already expecting such second bottoms for the Shakedown from Ogier, who is riding at home. But maybe he will make his breakthrough only in the competition that starts on Thursday, Urheilu’s expert Henri Haapamäki commented.
Ogier’s best bet was 2:01.4. Ott Tänak (Hyundai), the first in the test section, drove the section in 2:00.5.
Sami Pajari, competing in Toyota’s Rally2 car, drove the test section twice and recorded times of 2:14.0 and 2:15.7.
– Monte Carlo is certainly an exotic experience for Pajar. Sami was supposed to take part in the rally already last year, but he got food poisoning even before the competition started. Now, of course, last year’s experience would be valuable, but I think Pajar will survive the challenging rally, Haapamäki estimates.
There is sure to be another colorful weekend ahead, when the rally’s classic competition gets into full swing.
– The conditions in Monte Carlo are really challenging. Yes, Monte is definitely one of the most iconic races in the series. There is fog, darkness, ice, snow and dry asphalt. The challenges are quite considerable, Haapamäki described.
The World Rally Championship in Monte Carlo starts on Thursday evening with two special stages. The opening clip starts at 21:35 and the second special test at 22:58.