Oliver Solberg made a strong impression during this edition of the Rallye Monte-Carlo, maintaining a solid lead despite particularly difficult racing conditions. Between snow and ice, the young driver navigated brilliantly, reminding everyone that he is a formidable competitor on these treacherous terrains.
A High-Tension Special Stage at La Bréole
The first pass through the special stage at La Bréole was a true revelation for the competitors. Nearly 30 km long, this test put everyone’s talent to the test on slippery and chaotic roads. All crews, faced with a surface mixing snow and ice, opted for six studded tires, but that was not enough to make the task any easier.
In a postcard-perfect setting, driving turned into a real nightmare, requiring patience and vigilance. Drivers had to cope with a pace that was very slow. Very comfortable on the snow at the beginning of the special, Sébastien Ogier saw the trend reverse later on. Despite a scratch to his name, the Frenchman gained three seconds on Elfyn Evans, while Oliver Solberg had to concede nearly twenty seconds, a scenario he anticipated.
“I didn’t prepare my studs very well, so we lost time,” confessed the leader, a bit disillusioned. Even though the time gained reduced the gap to less than a minute, Sébastien Ogier still considered “the first place too far away” in the overall standings.
Solberg Extinguishes the Fire
The morning was not ideal for Sébastien Ogier. The ES11, half the length of the previous special stage, presented much more favorable transition conditions. After facing black ice and fog, then melting snow, the road proved to be a bit more drivable, allowing drivers to regain their rhythm in the final kilometers.
Like the previous special stage, Sébastien Ogier initially managed to take advantage of the delicate conditions, but the situation reversed again later. Describing “numerous changes in grip,” the Frenchman was not satisfied with himself at the finish: “I couldn’t take advantage of the improvement in the road.” In contrast, Elfyn Evans managed to play his cards right, allowing him to gain some breathing room in the battle for second place.
Starting cautiously, Oliver Solberg then stepped on the gas to prove that he intended to remain the solid leader of this Monte-Carlo. The Toyota driver signed an authoritative scratch with 11″4 ahead of Elfyn Evans, thus increasing his lead at the top of the event to over a minute. “The studs are working now, it’s a bit easier,” he sighed. “I feel a bit more comfortable now, it’s a bit easier.”
A second pass through the long special stage at La Bréole is scheduled for midday, before heading to Monaco for the Super Special in the early evening.
Rallye Monte-Carlo – Standings After ES11
After these spectacular and ruthless tests, the standings are tightening and strategies are sharpening. Every second counts, and drivers must demonstrate unwavering concentration to avoid falling into the melancholy of mistakes. The rest promises to be just as thrilling, as crews head towards specials that are sure to offer a show.
The Rallye Monte-Carlo thus remains true to its reputation: an ultimate challenge for drivers, an event where every turn can become a decisive turning point. As the engines roar and tires screech on the snow, the spectacle is guaranteed and the passion for rallying intensifies.
