Craig Breen and Scott Martin fifth in Monte Carlo

Driving the older generation Citroen DS3 WRC, Waterford’s Craig Breen and his British co-driver Scott Martin finished fifth in Rally Monte Carlo, the opening round of the World Rally Championship.

Reigning champion Sebastien Ogier, on his debut with M-Sport, brought his Ford Fiesta WRC to victory as he capitalised on the misfortunes of long-time leader Thierry Neuville, who damaged the suspension of his Hyundai WRC on the final stage of the penultimate leg.

Ogier finished two minutes and 15 seconds ahead of the Toyota Yaris WRC of Jari Matti Latvala but M-Sport were denied a 1-2 as engine woes on yesterday’s first stage saw Ott Tanak’s Ford Fiesta slip to third.