Despite the return of the sun to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the heavy rains of recent days have left traces in the Dignois and throughout the climb to Gap. It is therefore on wet asphalt that the season begins with a risk of patches of ice on the 13.97 terminals of the 3rd special, between Avançon and Notre Dame-du-Laus.
And since it is written that it is the right choice of rubber that will make rain or shine on this edition of the Monte-Carlo, it is with new Hankooks Supersoft and two snow tires in the trunk that our compatriots soar, just by the light of the headlights.
“It’s the first time I’ve driven in these conditions and with these tires, launches our compatriot after this first round of 19 km. It’s really not easy, we don’t know where the grip is, nor how the tire will evolve. It’s a complicated start.”
Trailing by 4.4 seconds by an unleashed Sébastien Ogier (Toyota) and wanting to immediately mark his territory, Neuville set the 3rd fastest time, 0.5 seconds behind the other Yaris of Elfyn Evans. Behind, it’s already the hole and both Fourmaux (+ 10.8) as Tänak (+ 13.5) and Rovanperä (+ 15.6) are already dropped.
-Ogier trapped by mud
And the closer we got to Gap, the more the trend confirmed itself. In the second exercise, it was Evans who let go at the end of the special stage covered in mud. Ogier continues his momentum, but Neuville is less than 9 tenths behind and takes second place overall, 5.3 behind Gapençais. These two are definitely not waiting for anyone to begin their duel of champions!
In the Avançon mountain, as expected, the mountain is adorned with red. Bengal lights and fireworks celebrate the final bouquet of this inaugural day. But Ogier’s brilliant move took a detour through the ditch, offering first place to our compatriot who didn’t ask for so much. This evening at Gap, there are three of them. In order: Neuville, Evans (+2.0) and Ogier (+12.8). Casino roulette has delivered a first verdict. But this wasn’t really a coincidence…
