Thierry Neuville (Hyundai), the winner last year, posted the best time in SS13, between Briançonnet and Entrevaux (14.31 km), faster than both Toyota drivers who are leading the rally, after missing the opportunity by 0.7 second only in the previous stage. On this beautiful stage, never seen before at the Monte-Carlo Rally, there was a long snowy portion at the top of col du Buis and the Belgian driver, 5-time vice-World Champion, managed to bring a smile on Andrea Adamo’s face, the team manager of the Korean team which started the rally well (2 best times for Ott Tänak on Thursday) and was then dominated by Toyota drivers. Neuville will now count on the Power Stage (ES15) to grab a few extra points that would be welcome in the Championship table. Most of the drivers are starting to manage since there are only 26 timed kilometers left so it is no time to ruin the rally. Ogier still hold a 20-second safety margin on Evans and over a minute on Neuville.
Published on:24 January 2021
