Ogier regains Led in Monte Carlo Rally as Neuville Struggles
Sébastien ogier has reclaimed the lead in the Monte Carlo Rally, the opening round of the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) season. The French veteran, competing in a partial season with Toyota, ended friday’s second day with a 12.6-second advantage over his Welsh teammate Elfyn Evans. Adrien fourmaux,driving for Hyundai,sits in third,a further 1.6 seconds behind Evans.
The rally saw a dramatic shift in fortunes for reigning world champion Thierry neuville. The belgian driver, who held the lead after Thursday’s opening stages, dropped to ninth place after a series of setbacks. Neuville lost valuable time after going off the road on the sixth special stage and then suffered another incident on the ninth stage due to a puncture. He now trails Ogier by almost four minutes.
Kalle rovanperä, the 2022 and 2023 world champion, made a strong return to full-time competition, finishing fourth, just under 40 seconds behind ogier.
The 93rd edition of the Monte carlo Rally continues on Saturday with eight more special stages covering 131.4 kilometers. The rally will conclude on Sunday after a grueling 18 stages and nearly 350 kilometers of competitive driving.
Ogier Back on Top: Rally Expert Analyzes Monte Carlo Shakeup
Time.news Editor: Sébastien Ogier has regained the lead in the Monte Carlo Rally, what does this turnaround tell us about the state of the race so far?
Dr. Mark Lewis, Rallying Expert: Well, this is definitely a game changer! While Ogier’s experience and skill are undeniable, it’s a disappointment for Thierry neuville, the reigning world champion. His setbacks, going off the road and suffering a puncture, have really cost him valuable time. This highlights the unpredictable nature of rally racing – a single mistake can drastically alter the podium outcome.
Time.news Editor: What about Kalle Rovanperä? It seemed like he was poised to challenge Ogier, but he’s trailing by a good margin.
Dr. Lewis: Rovanperä’s fourth place finish is a solid performance considering it’s his first full-time rally back since his title victories. He’s still adapting to the new season and the dynamics might be different compared to his 2022 and 2023 campaigns. It’s worth watching his progress over the remaining stages to see if he can close the gap.
Time.news editor: With eight special stages left on Saturday, how do you see the rest of the Monte Carlo Rally unfolding?
Dr. Lewis: Ogier is in a strong position now, but he can’t afford to let his guard down. Evans is right behind him, and could capitalize on any mistakes. Fourmaux is also a contender, showing potential. Neuville’s comeback would be impressive, but he needs a stroke of luck and some consistent performance.
Time.news Editor: Any advice for our readers who want to follow the action closely?
Dr. Lewis: Stay tuned! The Monte Carlo Rally is renowned for its dramatic twists and turns. The unpredictable weather conditions and demanding terrain make for thrilling rallies. Keep an eye on the live timing and updates to witness the strategic battles and nail-biting finishes.
