The 2025 World Rally Championship season roared into life with the shakedown for the Monte Carlo Rally, and it was Hyundai’s Ott Tänak who set the early benchmark. Tänak bested Toyota’s Kalle Rovanperä by 0.7 seconds on the two-mile Route de la Garde stage, a route known for its challenging, rapidly deteriorating conditions. Nine-time Monte Carlo winner Sébastien Ogier rounded out the top three.
A Wet and Tricky Start
The stage, marked by wet weather and mud pulled onto the road by earlier cars, tested drivers immediately. As Rally1 cars are now without hybrid systems and sporting new Hankook tires, adapting quickly was key.
Tänak, running third, capitalized on his early start and laid down a time 1.3 seconds quicker than his Hyundai teammate Thierry Neuville, who was first out. Reflecting on the run, Tänak said:
“The grip is quite unpredictable at the moment, and not so much of that [grip] at the moment, so it’s tricky.”
Rovanperä Impresses Despite Conditions
Two-time world champion Kalle Rovanperä, making his full-time return to the series, showcased his prowess by clocking the second-fastest time. Starting seventh, he overcame the increasingly muddy track with a remarkable effort.
“The road is already full of mud everywhere, so I think it’s going to be a tricky weekend,” Rovanperä commented.
Ogier’s Experience Shines
Sébastien Ogier, a veteran with nine Monte Carlo victories, demonstrated his mastery by improving significantly on his second run, despite the challenging conditions.
“It might be a very difficult weekend,” Ogier noted, citing the absence of typical Monte Carlo snow and the abundance of water and mud.
Top Performances Across the Field
- Elfyn Evans: Finished fourth, just 0.2 seconds behind Ogier, and anticipated a tougher Monte Carlo compared to last year.
- Thierry Neuville: Improved on his second run but ended fifth. The reigning world champion admitted the 2025 season won’t be easier, despite carrying the coveted No. 1.
- Takamoto Katsuta: Closed out the top six with another solid performance for Toyota.
Notable Performances and Challenges
- Adrien Fourmaux: Making his Hyundai debut, Fourmaux experimented with tire combinations and finished seventh, 3.9 seconds off Tänak’s pace.
- Josh McErlean: The Irishman impressed on his Rally1 debut for M-Sport, setting the fastest time among the Ford Pumas and finishing eighth.
- Sami Pajari: The WRC2 champion, now with Toyota, faced wildlife interruptions, slowing to avoid deer on the road.
Rally2 Class
- Oliver Solberg: Topped the Rally2 field, 3.2 seconds ahead of Nikolay Gryazin’s Škoda. However, neither driver is competing for WRC2 points this weekend.
- Yohan Rossel: Quickest among WRC2 points contenders despite a spin on his first run.
Looking Ahead
As the Monte Carlo Rally officially begins, the unpredictable conditions and evolving tire strategies promise an exciting and challenging event. With Tänak setting the early pace and both Rovanperä and Ogier showing their mettle, the stage is set for a thrilling battle on the iconic Monte Carlo roads.
