P1racenews AI automatic summary:
WRC Monte Carlo: Neuville on course for victory as Ogier challenge falters
Thierry Neuville has dominated the morning stages, winning both of them and extending his lead over Sébastien Ogier to 13.5 seconds. The only stage remaining is the Power Stage on Sunday afternoon. Neuville’s impressive performance has also put him at the top of the Sunday standings, where seven points are up for grabs for the fastest driver. Elfyn Evans remains in third overall but is second in the Sunday combined times, positioning him for six extra points. Ott Tanak finished the morning loop in fourth overall and third for the day, followed by Ogier. Adrien Fourmaux holds onto fifth place, with Andreas Mikkelsen and Takamoto Katsuta in sixth and seventh, respectively. Neuville’s excellent performance on Saturday, where he claimed the maximum 18 points, indicates his clear strategy for Sunday. He continued his aggressive driving style in the morning stages, outpacing his rivals. Ogier admitted to being too cautious, surprised by Neuville’s speed. Tanak set a strong pace, while Evans struggled with the icy patches. The rally’s penultimate stage saw Neuville once again defeating Ogier, with Tanak finishing third. Neuville maintained his focus and acknowledged that there is still one more stage to go. Ogier effectively conceded victory to Neuville, recognizing that it was over after the first stage of the day.
