Armstrong posts third fastest stage time in red flagged Monte Carlo rally

Jon Armstrong and Shane Byrne. Photo by Philip Fitzpatrick/Sportsfile

In what was one of the most difficult opening evenings in Rallye Monte Carlo, the opening round of the World Rally Championship, the organisers red-flagged the night's third and final stage due to dense fog. 

Indeed, weather and road conditions varied through all three stages from rain to slush, snow and ice and finally to rain and fog.

The Irish WR crew of Jon Armstrong/Shane Byrne (Ford Puma Rally1) made a hugely commendable start and began the night's final stage in third place. However, as they traversed the stage, it was red-flagged and they are due to be awarded a notional time.

At the overnight halt in Gap, Sweden's Oliver Solberg (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) heads the leaderboard - 44.2s ahead of his team mate and opening stage leader Elfyn Evans with top seed, Sebastien Ogier, also in a Toyota, provisionally shown in third place a further 24.4s further behind.

The Toyota GR Yaris trio of Welsh ace Evans, Solberg and home hero and reigning champion Sebastien Ogier topped the time sheets at the end of the Toudon/Saint-Antonin first stage.

Joshua McErlean and Eoin Treacy of Ireland compete in their Ford Puma Rally1of Ireland during day one. Pic: Philip Fitzpatrick/Sportsfile

The selection of studded and super soft tyres worked best Evans, who led Solberg (on studded tyres) by 5.6s with Ogier a further 6.4s behind and 12s off leader Evans, who quipped, "It's only the beginning, don't get too excited yet."

Snow and ice on the second stage was a rude awakener as the drivers commented on the horrendous conditions. Yet, it didn't prevent Solberg from setting a sensational time that was 31.2s faster than Evans to promote the Swede into a 25.5s lead over his team mate. 

Armstrong, on the same tyre selection as Evans and Ogier, posted the third fastest stage time to slot into third - his M-Sport Ford team mates Gregoire Munster and Josh McErlean were a respective 7.9s and 15s further behind. New leader Solberg said, "I tell you, my God, that's the craziest thing I have done in my life." 

Evans wasn't as enthusiastic, "It's horrendous, the slush is freezing now." Ogier, who dropped to fifth wasn't too complimentary about the tyres. Unfortunately, the other Irish M-Sport Ford crew Josh McErlean/Eoin Treacy slid off on the second stage.

Tomorrow (Saturday) night's Cork "1000 Shakes" Navigation Trial, a counter for the National and Munster Navigation Trial Championships, will be based in Inchigeelagh with the first car away is at 22.01.