© Jaanus Ree /Redbull
Ogier wins Monte-Carlo Rally 2017
Frenchman claims his fifth win in Monaco
With low temperatures and icy roads there were more than a few detours into the undergrowth during the four-day event.
The first stage of the Monte-Carlo Rally 2017 on Thursday 19th January marked a sad start to the race as Hyundai driver Hayden Paddon came off the circuit in an incident that resulted in the death of a spectator.
Later, Paddon said, "I will take this chance to ask spectators at rallies to please be considerate where you stand and to respect the instructions of the marshals. We all want to enjoy a good show and go home to the family afterwards."
After that, the drama unfolded in a more normal, and thankfully safe, way with the usual contenders battling for the top positions and the underdogs of the race proving that they were up to the task. Local hero and four-time world champion Sébastien Ogier spun off the circuit into a ditch, "I just pulled the handbrake, and nothing happened," he explained. Luckily, only 40 seconds or so were lost, as there was no shortage of willing spectators to push him out. Several others retired after unscheduled visits to the side of the circuit, or into trees.
Ogier beat Jari-Matti Latvala by 2 minutes 15 seconds as the Finn gave Toyota a podium finish on their return to WRC after a 17-year absence on icy roads in the French Alps. M-Sport were denied a one-two finish when Estonian Ott Tanak slipped from second after suffering an engine problem on Sunday. Tanak finished third, 2:57.8 off the pace.
