GAP, France — Defending world champion Sebastien Ogier claimed the Monte Carlo rally lead following a tense battle with overnight leader Kris Meeke throughout the second day of the race on Friday.
Ogier moved past his British rival after the morning special stages held on narrow roads but relinquished his lead after seven of the 16 stages. Meeke posted the fastest time in Friday’s longest run to move back to the top with his Citroen DS 3 before Ogier hit back in the final stage to lead by 9.5 seconds overall.
"A great battle with Kris today," said the Frenchman, who drives for Volkswagen. "Some small mistakes here and there, and now I think I have a slow puncture on the left rear. I’m happy though. A good day."
Andreas Mikkelsen was in third until a spin in the penultimate stage as Jari-Matti Latvala climbed to the provisional podium before Saturday’s stages – 1 minute, 8.1 seconds behind.
"There must be something in this stage that Seb knows," Meeke said. "I think he lives about three kilometres from here, so I’m happy to give him this one. I have no answer to his time. Still a long way to go on this rally."
Ogier, a three-time world champion, got off to a strong start to claim the first special stage of the day ahead of Meeke and Latvala. Meeke was then 0.7 seconds faster than his French rival, who damaged the rear left suspension of his Volkswagen, to lead by 6.7 seconds after four stages.
Ogier recovered in the next stage to the Chaillol ski resort, using his driving skills on narrow roads to grab the lead by 1.55 seconds.
Robert Kubica and Hayden Paddon retired in the day’s opening stage after losing control of their cars on icy patches and hitting a tree.
The opening race of the world rally championship finishes on Sunday.