Sebastien Ogier claims Rallye Monte-Carlo rally

OPENING WIN: French driver Sebastien Ogier. Pic: Valery Hache/AFP via Getty Images

French wizard Sebastien Ogier (Toyota Yaris Rally1) claimed a record breaking ninth Rallye Monte-Carlo victory as the new season of the World Rally Championship got underway. On another partial WRC programme Ogier, co-driven by Vincent Landais, finished 18.8 seconds ahead of reigning world rally champions Finland’s Kalle Rovanpera/Jonne Halttunen to complete a 1-2 for the Toyota Gazoo Racing outfit. 

Rovanpera also snatched an additional five championship points for winning the Wolf Power Stage. Belgian pair Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 Rally1) took third spot - 25.9 seconds further behind and were the only non-Toyota crew to post fastest stage times - on S.S. 12 and 13.