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Monte Carlo Rally 2020: Who’s the big favourite this year?

After an off-season that has completely turned the small WRC world upside down with the departures of reigning world champion Ott Tänak to Hyundai and the arrival of six-time French world champion Sébastien Ogier at Toyota, the 88th edition of Monte-Carlo Rally promises to be quite a show, but one with a lot of uncertainty. So who seems best equipped to tame the wild roads of this Monte-Carlo that is more open than ever? Monaco Tribune takes stock with the watchful eye of Nice native Éric Camilli, who will start the rally at the wheel of a Citroën C3 in the WRC 2 category.

 

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Sébastien Ogier (Toyota Yaris)

Who better than him can claim to know all the steep roads of the Monte Carlo Rally by heart? As he approaches this 88th edition of Principality’s legendary rally, Sébastien Ogier is bound to set off into the unknown, even though the six-time world champion took part in two sessions ahead of the Monte-Carlo Rally at the wheel of his new car. For what should be his last season in the WRC, the Gapençais rider has decided to change tack this summer by joining the world champion team. A daring gamble for the driver who has won the last six editions at the wheel of three different carmakers. Volkswagen, Ford, Citroën and now Toyota. With his outright speed and his in-depth knowledge of the terrain, the Frenchman is once again this year’s favourite. But only provided that he can quickly tame the fiery Yaris.

Éric Camilli’s opinion: “Sébastien has won the Monte-Carlo Rally six times, with three different cars. He’s the title holder and he’s joining the world champion team. For me, he’s the big favourite.”

 

Ott Tänak (Hyundai i20)

Like Sébastien Ogier last year (from Ford to Citröen), Ott Tänak has decided to take a risky gamble this season: leaving Toyota, with whom he was crowned world champion, to join Hyundai. Third at last year’s rally, the Estonian had followed the fierce duel between Ogier and Neuville from a distance, without getting involved in the battle for victory. But this year, having won the world title, Tänak is expected to make his debut at the wheel of the i20. A car that has already made a strong impression on him and which should not offer any unpleasant surprises to those who say that we “will witness another interesting battle” for the title this season. A battle that will start with this Monte Carlo rally and which could teach us something about Ott Tänak’s ability to repeat an almost perfect season, just like the last one.

Éric Camilli’s opinion: “Ott Tanak changed teams by switching to Hyundai. He will have to get his bearings quickly on a car that was designed by and for Thierry Neuville. This will be his very first rally with this car, so I think Neuville will be one step ahead, but we must not forget that Tänak is the reigning world champion. He has been the best driver throughout the year. If he gets used to the car quickly, he can do it already this year!

 

Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20) 

Deep down, Thierry Neuville knows that this year may be his last chance. While Ott Tänak managed last season to break the hegemony of Sébastien Ogier and his six consecutive world championship titles, this year the Belgian has a golden opportunity to finally win the driver’s title at the end of the season. And what could be better than a first victory in the Monte Carlo rally to establish himself, from the outset, as the man to beat this year? Second in the last edition, the five-time world vice-champion was just two seconds behind Sébastien Ogier. On his home turf, the Monegasque resident will be keen to take his revenge against his eternal rival this year. And launch in the best possible way a season that could see him crowned world champion for the first time in his career.

Éric Camilli’s opinion: “Neuville has the advantage of starting with a car designed for him, unlike Ogier and Tänak, who are joining a new team. He has his heart set on winning. Last year, he came very close. For me, it all depends on the level of his Toyota. If Ogier and Toyota are strong from the outset, they’ll be favourites. But if not, I can see Neuville winning the event.

 

Sébastien Loeb (Hyundai i20) 

If anyone could benefit from all these changes, it’s him. Seven-time winner of the event, the Alsatian knows these roads by heart. His experience, his natural qualities on the asphalt and his desire to have fun without putting pressure on himself are to his credit. He was fourth last year for his first official outing with the Hyundai i20. This year Sébastien Loeb can aim much higher, as he says he feels “really good” with this car that took him a while to get used to last year. While the nine-time world champion could line up behind his two teammates in the running for the driver’s world championship title at the end of the season for the good of his team, there is no doubt that the rally legend will be able to take responsibility for winning the rally if one of his teammates were to drop out or experience reliability problems.

Éric Camilli’s opinion: “And why not? Objectively, he can win. I don’t know if he’ll start off with that in mind, I don’t know the Hyundai rules, but naturally, he can join the battle for victory. The Monte Carlo Rally is his favourite rally. He is very efficient on these roads. And his experience is enormous.

By Romain Boisaubert, founder of Le Sport au Féminin. Article originally published in French.