Neuville Dominates in Dry Monte Carlo

At the inauguration of the 2024 World Rally Championship, Thierry Neuville stood out as the undisputed protagonist by winning the Rally of Monte Carlo. His victory was no small feat; it meant overcoming Monte Carlo expert Sebastien Ogier in a competition that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the last second.

The Hyundai driver proved to be the rival to beat by winning eight of the 17 asphalt stages, establishing himself as the undisputed leader in one of the driest Monte Carlo Rallies in memory. This victory marked not only his second win at this prestigious event but also saw him finish with a margin of 16.1 seconds over Ogier, a competitor who has tasted victory on nine occasions.

The podium was completed by Toyota's Elfyn Evans, who finished third with a difference of +45.2s, followed by Hyundai's Ott Tanak (+1m59.8s) and M-Sport Ford's Adrien Fourmaux (+3m36.9s). The new scoring structure introduced in 2024 played a crucial role, rewarding the most consistent and strategic drivers. Neuville made the most of this system, obtaining the maximum score of 30 points.

A victory at the Rally of Monte Carlo is always a notable achievement, but what Neuville accomplished this year holds particular significance. In the early stages, he faced challenges, including a close encounter with a snow bank and an untimely spin that nearly compromised his lead. However, his ability to recover and dominate the subsequent stages speaks to his impressive skill and focus.

The competition between Neuville and Ogier was the center of attention throughout the event. Ogier, displaying the skill that has made him famous, briefly took the lead, but Neuville responded with what he himself called the "perfect stage". This exchange of leadership not only added excitement to the event but also demonstrated the high level of competition in the WRC.