There was a big question mark on his level: at 47, and after almost a year and a half without participating in a rally, what could Sébastien Loeb show on the Monte-Carlo just a few days after an inevitably tiring Dakar? The legend of the discipline quickly put an end to doubts this Friday.
He crushed the competition from the first special to catch up on another legendary Sébastien, Ogier that one. the Alsatian therefore takes the lead in the general classification with almost 10 seconds ahead of the reigning world champion. Nothing definitive, but just enough to reassure everyone: a champion remains a champion.
Unhappy Eric Camilli
The Nice Eric Camilli, he had less success.
Leading in the WRC2 category, the winner of Monte-Carlo at this level in 2019 badly negotiated a corner made slippery by frost. He did try to repair at Entrevaux, but the damage was too great.
It must be said that the trap was almost perfect. A very dry and sunny weather on asphalt generally without difficulty, but just enough barely visible frost here or there to make matters worse. This is where Sébastien Loeb’s 47 years, and his legendary eye, may have made the difference.
Despite everything, the Camilly/Roche duo will fight to the end and will strive to find a solution…
A Monte-Carlo rally that came to an abrupt end for Éric and his team-mate, Yannick Roche…but they already had the rest of the season in mind.
In summary…
A day rich in twists and turns, with the duel Sébastien Loeb (Ford) passing in front of Sébastien Ogier (Toyota). A Sébastien Loeb who, at 47, won four of the six special stages of the day, and who had not competed in a WRC rally for 16 months!
From there to becoming the oldest driver in history to win a world championship rally. To be continued!