The Toyota driver had started Friday’s stages in third place, but during the afternoon loop, he took the lead. By the end of the day, the Frenchman reached the evening service with a 12.6-second advantage over teammate Elfyn Evans.
“It’s a positive day in terms of result. To turn a 13 seconds deficit to a 12 second lead, it’s of course positive, but not everything has been perfect for me today,” Ogier reflected.
“I was struggling to find a perfect rhythm in the morning loop. Also the first stage this afternoon, I was not really driving enough on the limit with this tricky condition.”
Ogier beamed as he arrived at the service park at the end of the day, and he had a good reason for it.
“I’m glad I managed to find the speed in the last two ones. And I’m especially glad that I finally managed to win my home stage,” Ogier said.
The afternoon’s second stage began near Ogier’s hometown, Forest-Saint-Julien, where he set a stage-best time, finishing 3.9 seconds faster than anyone else.
“I’m not sure about statistics always, but I believe it’s the first time I win it. And for the birthday of my dad, it’s nice. So happy birthday, papa,” Ogier said.
Before the stage, Ogier stopped in his hometown to check his car and tyres. Over the years, this brief visit has become a pleasant tradition for him.
“Obviously I didn’t see so many of my old neighbours or family members because they were all in the stage. I’m glad this afternoon, like I said, we could run it and win it, because I’m sure in the morning they were all disappointed to see the stage cancelled,” Ogier commented.
“But we don’t have time to relax and be too happy yet. It’s a very long way to go, and tomorrow we’ll have to continue like this,” Ogier stressed.
The Rally Monte-Carlo continues on Saturday with six special stages.
