With the Rally Monte Carlo just a couple of weeks away, both teams are hard at work in the French Alps. Toyota’s Kalle Rovanperä kicked off the testing programme on Tuesday, tackling proper winter conditions on a snowy mountain road in the Rally1 car.
Sebastien Ogier took over the testing duties from Rovanperä. However, the eight-time world champion faced a very different scenario compared to his teammate – the French star was testing on completely dry tarmac.
Watch videos of Ogier’s test below:
Ogier will be aiming for his tenth victory at the Rally Monte Carlo, but he expressed concerns earlier to RallyJournal.com about the challenges leading up to the season opener.
The WRC’s top-category cars have undergone significant updates this year, including the removal of hybrid units and the introduction of new tyres from official supplier Hankook.
“There are so many changes, so I think this will probably be the Monte Carlo Rally where I’m the least prepared ever, but it’s probably the same for everybody,” Ogier said in December.
“Honestly, it’s hard to predict anything at the moment. We’ll have only one test day in January, which will be very important to try to learn as much as we can about this whole new package. After that, we’ll just do our best.”
It remains to be seen how well the French star was able to prepare for his home rally in dry conditions. His experience with Hankook tyres in winter conditions appears to be minimal.
Champions, different approaches
Meanwhile, reigning world champion Thierry Neuville began Hyundai’s testing on Wednesday. Unlike Ogier, Neuville’s test road featured snow and slush.
Watch videos of Neuville’s test below:
Last year, Neuville won the Monte Carlo Rally, earning maximum points in the opening event. The Belgian held onto the WRC lead for the rest of the season, eventually celebrating his first world championship title at the year’s end.
The Rally Monte Carlo takes place on 23–26 January.
