RALLYING: ALL DRIVERS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL – OGIER WINS!

In a car that he was not familiar with. With a Team that he is still getting to know. On tricky stages, inundated with black ice, the current world champion clawed his way to his rightful place.

The 2017 edition of the WRC’s Rally Monte Carlo began with misfortune for Ogier. He slid off the stage at an area that should have been a simple ‘one-two’ for the multiple World Champion. But the nuances of the M-Sport machine to which Ogier was still a stranger were still being explored.

LOEB

Ogier is often compared to rally god Sebastien Loeb and yet he was floored by what may be described as a handbrake-grab, hairpin turn! He admitted that he was not comfortable with aspects of the machine, but that was expected.

So, while Ogier wrestled with the unknown, Thierry Neuville met the opportunity and sent the Hyundai I20 to work. But, Ogier hurriedly recalculated and unleashed the chase option in the Ford Fiesta WRC!

What was a yawning gap at the beginning of the rally was significantly reduced by the end of day 1. Ogier’s team-mate Tanak kept his name on the highlight reel and stayed close to the action.

NEUVILLE

Misfortune is imminent in rallying. An ‘impact-bug’ bit Neuville’s suspension and ended his shot at glory. Rally Monte Carlo was an expected sea of challenges for several teams and after Ogier’s early mishap, the reins of victory were firmly held by Neuville.

But, victory is promised to no one. Ogier applied the pressure and Neuville responded with the appropriate fervour until his machine’s ample rear end decided to kiss nature. Neuville’s demise promoted Ogier and A M-Sport 1-2 was derailed  by gremlins trapped in Tanak’s engine.

I told you earlier that Tommi Makinen was team principal for Toyota’s effort. Guess what? When Tanak stepped aside from P2, Latvala, aboard the Toyota Yaris, embraced P2 and gave Toyota a well deserved – welcome back present.

So, despite VW’s exit, the drivers who held the WRC locked in their fist for four years, who are now driving two different machines, finished P1 and P2! Strange but true! M-Sport, I am certain is in a rather elated place at present. Is the Ford Fiesta WRC the machine to beat?

Ogier is making a statement – All drivers are not created equal! Stay tuned!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer