The Monte Carlo Rally delivered a spectacle worthy of its legendary status as Sébastien Ogier claimed a record-breaking 10th victory on his home turf. The Frenchman, cheered on by an adoring crowd in Gap, displayed masterclass driving and rally management to emerge victorious in an event packed with drama, daring gambles, and underdog stories.
Ogier’s brilliance shines once again
For Ogier, Monte Carlo remains his domain. Despite a rare early mistake on Thursday that saw him clip a pole and lose 20 seconds, the Toyota ace quickly regrouped. By the weekend, he had carved out a comfortable lead, managing the treacherous road conditions with the precision that has defined his career.
“This weekend, I have to admit that I had some lucky moments,” Ogier reflected, gazing skyward in homage to his late uncle. “It was my uncle’s star shining for me.”
With co-driver Vincent Landais, Ogier executed a near-flawless rally, reminding fans why he’s regarded as one of the greatest in the sport’s history.
Neuville’s title defense falters
Thierry Neuville, the reigning world champion, experienced a rollercoaster rally. Leading after Thursday’s stages, the Belgian seemed poised to start his title defense in commanding fashion. However, repeated missteps at the same hairpin corner on Friday—including a braking error and a puncture—compromised his Hyundai i20’s suspension. A further collision with a rock face on Saturday sealed his fate.
While Neuville’s fighting spirit remained, his anticipated “Super Sunday” charge failed to materialize, leaving his Monte campaign in tatters.
Rovanperä and Tänak’s uneven performances
Toyota’s Finnish star Kalle Rovanperä, seen by many as the favorite for the 2025 title, struggled to find his groove. Hampered by unfamiliarity with new Hankook tires and a lack of recent experience on dry Tarmac, Rovanperä’s rally was a mix of brilliance and frustration. His quip, “Let’s see in Sweden if we can remember how to drive a rally car,” summed up his performance, though a late charge secured him fourth place.
Ott Tänak, driving for Hyundai, experienced a similarly inconsistent rally. The Estonian avoided disaster after clipping a telegraph pole on Friday but showcased blistering speed on Saturday. Unfortunately, he failed to capitalize on his momentum, slipping behind Rovanperä on Sunday to finish fifth.
Evans and Fourmaux deliver standout drives
While some faltered, others thrived. Toyota’s Elfyn Evans emerged as the de facto championship leader after a gutsy performance secured him second place. Despite intense pressure from new Hyundai recruit Adrien Fourmaux, Evans held firm, delivering a powerstage performance that underscored his title ambitions.
Fourmaux, meanwhile, was the revelation of the rally. Known for his aggressive yet calculated driving, the Frenchman rolled the dice on Sunday by opting for an unconventional tire strategy—mixing super-softs with studded tires in freezing conditions. Though his gamble didn’t entirely pay off, his determination and audacity cemented his status as a future contender.
“We had to take the risk,” Fourmaux said. “I would make the same choice again, the only thing is I would have pushed a bit more on the first stage. That’s my only regret.”
Monte Carlo: A stage for rally legends
As the Monte Carlo Rally concludes, the narratives for the 2025 season begin to take shape. While Ogier reaffirmed his dominance, the likes of Evans, Fourmaux, and Rovanperä hinted at the battles to come. For Neuville, the road to defending his title will require significant adjustments, while Tänak must find consistency to contend with his rivals.
The opening chapter of the season reminds fans why rallying remains one of motorsport’s most thrilling disciplines. And while Ogier may not compete full-time, his legacy—and his capacity to captivate—continues to inspire.