English Woman's Journal - Evans shines on Monte Carlo opening stages

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Evans shines on Monte Carlo opening stages

SPORTS 25.01.2024

Evans shines on Monte Carlo opening stages / Photo: Valery HACHE - AFP

Elfyn Evans began his campaign to capture an elusive maiden world rally title by taking control of the Monte Carlo Rally on Thursday.

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The Welsh driver, runner-up to Kalle Rovanpera last season, grabbed the lead of the iconic season-opener after two stages played out in the dark in the mountains above the Principality.

Behind the wheel of a Toyota, Evans carved out a lead of more than 15 seconds over Belgium's Thierry Neuville in a Hyundai.

Eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier of France was more than 21 seconds off the pace in third in a Toyota.

Evans, the favourite for the 2024 title with double world champion Rovanpera opting to only race selected rallies, won both Thursday's stages -- over 2019 world champion Ott Tanak in the first and then seeing off Neuville in the second.

Standings after two stages:

1. Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (GBR/Toyota), 2. Thierry Neuville/ Martijn Wydaeghe (BEL/Hyundai) at 15.1, 3. Sebastien Ogier/Vincent Landais (FRA/Toyota) 21.6, 4. Ott Tanak/Martin Jarveoja (EST/Hyundai) 22.8, 5. Adrien Fourmaux/Alexandre Coria (FRA/M-Sport Ford) 39

Stage winners:

Elfyn Evans (SS1, SS2)

D.W.Robertson--EWJ

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