Toyota led by Jari-Matti Latvala has a double lead in the Monte Carlo World Rally before the last day of competition.
Sebastien Ogier has, as expected, dominated his home competition, where he is already chasing his tenth victory. Toyota driver Ogier has a lead of 20.3 seconds ahead of his teammate in the opening rally of the season in Monte Carlo Elfyn Evanswhen three special tests have not been run.
It’s smoother behind Evans, as are the Hyundai drivers Adrien Fourmaux and Ott Tänak are involved in fighting for second place. Tänak was in a wild blow on Saturday afternoon after driving three bottom times in a row.
– Our boys have done a good job, but the competition is tough. Tänak has risen wildly today [lauantaina]. He has come fast and has taken a few risks that he has succeeded in, Toyota team manager Jari-Matti Latvala praised the rival team’s Estonian star to Iltalehte.
– Now he’s breathing down my neck. And Fourmaux is not far away either. This is going to be quite a tough fight for the last day, Latvala said.
Team boss Jari-Matti Latvala knows the reason for Kalle Rovanperä’s problems. PASI LEISMA
About Toyota drivers Kalle Rovanperä lost the rally’s fourth position to Tänak on Saturday afternoon, who ran away completely from the Finn. Rovanperä was unable to match the Estonian’s pace in the second run of the special stages.
Latvala had a conversation with Rovanperä when the Finnish star arrived for Saturday evening maintenance.
– He said that small and slippery roads are a bit of a problem. He won’t get proper credit for conversion then. He has no problem on a bigger road, Latvala said.
According to Latvala, Rovanperä still has a lot to learn about the tires of Hankook, the new tire supplier of the World Rally Championship, with which they are now competing for the first time.
– Let’s say frankly that Kalle hasn’t been able to drive enough with those tires. The situation is a bit the same as in 2022 in Monte, when he didn’t quite get to you with the car at the beginning. Now it’s a bit the same thing. A little more work should have been done with the slick tires, Latvala stated.
– He has been able to drive with snow tires and studs, but driving with slicks has been so little that he has not been able to find the limits of the car.
Monte Carlo Rally
Situation after the 15/18 special exam
1. Sébastien Ogier, Toyota 2.42.48.2
2. Elfyn Evans, Toyota +20.3 seconds
3. Adrien Fourmaux, Hyundai +24.6
4. Ott Tänak, Hyundai +27.1
5. Kalle Rovanperä, Toyota +55.0
6. Takamoto Katsuta, Toyota +1.43.7
7. Sami Pajari, Toyota +4.09,9
8. Thierry Neuville, Hyundai +5.17.5