There is only one stage left to contest in the 91st Rally Monte-Carlo, in prestigious Col de Turini, and Kalle Rovanperä has eventually dropped the case for good. In the final duel between Toyota Gazoo Racing drivers, Sébastien Ogier definitely regained control by setting the best time in SS17 (Lucéram-Lantosque, 18.82km) at the end of the morning, while the young Finn was mainly busy “managing tires” to prepare a good enough package for the Power Stage… and its bonus points.

With 15 km left to the last stage finish of this 2023 edition, the 8-time World Champion could take a step back: 23.5 seconds ahead of the reigning World Champion, and 45.1 seconds ahead of Thierry Neuville (Hyundai Motorsport), still solid in 3rd and definitely out of reach for Elfyn Evans (4th) in the third leading Yaris.

In WRC2, the game also seems to be set since Russia’s Nikolay Gryazin (Skoda Fabia), who races under the banner of his national Automobile Club, still holds a 10-second lead over Yohan Rossel (Citroën C3). With bonus points to claim in the Power Stage, as well, in the perspective of the championship.