Toyota drivers on the pace in the first runs of the Rally Monte Carlo shakedown

Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta made a strong start to his season, as the Japanese driver immediately set the fastest time.

On the shakedown stage, Katsuta beat his team-mate Oliver Solberg, who was the second fastest. Solberg joined the team this season as Kalle Rovanperä’s replacement and is now contesting a full season in Toyota’s Rally1 car.

Elfyn Evans was also in good form, posting the third fastest time.

Toyota locked out all the top positions, with Sami Pajari fourth and Sébastien Ogier fifth.

M-Sport Ford also outpaced the Hyundai drivers, as Josh McErlean was sixth, Grégoire Munster seventh and Jon Armstrong eighth.

Hyundai’s pace was still subdued. Guest driver Hayden Paddon was the fastest of the team in ninth place. Thierry Neuville finished 12th and Adrien Fourmaux only 14th.

Lancia, returning to the World Championship, also finished ahead of Hyundai’s Neuville and Fourmaux on the results sheet. Yohan Rossel was tenth and Nikolai Grjazin 11th.

The Monte Carlo WRC rally begins on Thursday evening.

Results of the Monte Carlo WRC rally shakedown stage after the first runs:¨