Toyota claimed maximum points from the event, leaving the Korean manufacturer immediately 24 points behind in the manufacturers’ championship. However, the rally was just the first of the season, with 13 rounds still remaining.
Check out the current WRC standings here!
Team principal Cyril Abiteboul expressed disappointment over the result but highlighted the impressive performance of Adrien Fourmaux, who debuted at the WRC level with Hyundai. Fourmaux secured third place and clocked his first fastest stage time in Hyundai colours.
“After a win here last year a third-place finish comes somewhat as a disappointment, but there are plenty of positives to be taken from this weekend,” Abiteboul began.
“The first one is Adrien’s result in his first weekend with the team, and I am sure we will see a lot more this year as he gets fully familiar with the car and the team. Another positive is that our drivers managed to take the right approach to the challenges they were facing, which will be the key to this long and unpredictable championship.”
Each of Hyundai’s drivers managed to set a fastest stage time. However, Toyota’s drivers achieved the same feat. Abiteboul still felt that Hyundai’s improved performance was evident in Monte-Carlo.
“The car overall has been competitive across the course of the weekend; with the evolutions to come in Sweden and interesting road positions we are all really looking forward to the next round,” Abiteboul hinted.
The WRC season continues in Sweden’s snowy conditions in February. The rally will once again be based near Umeå and take place from 13–16 February.
