The Monte-Carlo Rally kicked off with a bang, but not without raising a storm of emotions among the drivers. Between rain, melting snow, and thick fog, the conditions were as changeable as mountain weather. Sébastien Ogier, the nine-time world rally champion, let his anger explode over tires deemed unacceptable by a professional of his stature.
A chaotic rally start
In just three stages, the Monte-Carlo Rally offered the drivers a true meteorological palette: a deluge for the first stage, melting and icy snow for the second, and fog so thick it could be cut with a knife for the third. While Ogier managed to shine at the end of the day by achieving the best time in this last stage, he could not avoid losing precious time in the first two. The frustration was palpable, especially due to a full minute lost that left him with a bitter taste.
The tires: a burning issue
At the heart of the difficulties faced by Ogier were the studded tires supplied by Hankook. As the new manufacturer of the championship since last year, their performance is closely scrutinized. And let’s be clear, during the second stage, these tires did not live up to their reputation. By opening the road, Ogier was hit hard by the effects of almost nonexistent grip. This prompted him to express his outrage regarding the quality of these products.
“It’s clearly […] a relief to be here tonight, and in one piece,” he stated to Canal+. “The conditions were dreadful, with the first stage in the rain, which was the only – let’s say – ‘normal’ one of the loop.”
A performance to reconsider
The second stage was a true ordeal for him. “Then, we had to deal with a second stage in somewhat melting snow, and with incredibly bad tires. I’ve never seen anything like it in my entire career, by a long shot.” These words resonate as a wake-up call for the technical teams and the championship management. Because, after a season of learning, the fact that these tires do not meet expectations seems to be an inexcusable mistake.
“It’s unacceptable that we are given products like this at this level, in the world championship. As much as I said nothing last year, it was Hankook’s first season, but now, after a year, it’s not acceptable that they are not working and continue to provide us with tires like this.”
A shared sentiment
Ogier is not the only one feeling this frustration. Several drivers expressed their dissatisfaction at the end of this grueling day. But it is true that the Frenchman had to face particularly difficult conditions, being the first to open the road on snowy surfaces, with no tracks to help him. A real handicap that led him to experience a nightmarish situation.
“Whatever happens, by opening the road like this tonight, we knew we were going to lose time in this section with snow, but to lose so much… And on top of that, struggling with every turn, it was really the worst stage of my career, by far!” These words illustrate the dismay of a driver used to victory.
Fog and final trials
The last stage was no more forgiving. Ogier had to deal with thick fog. “Fortunately, my notes seem to be still precise enough to guide me somewhat in these conditions, but really, you could barely see beyond the hood of the car.” A situation where he had to juggle between turning his headlights on and off to hope to see something. A struggle against the elements and against his own limits.
A relief at the end of the road
“We return to the beginning of the question: the only word that matters tonight is a relief to be here.” These words sum up Ogier’s state of mind after such a grueling day. Every driver knows that rallying is an adventure full of surprises, but what the nine-time champion experienced that day seems to have exceeded the bounds of reason. Let’s hope for him and for all competitors that the coming days will offer more favorable conditions and, above all, tires worthy of the stakes.
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