The WRC, World Rally Championship, opens with a victory for Neuville and his Hyundai i20 N in Monte Carlo. The Frenchman made up a 16.1 second gap at the end of the rally.
Behind Ogier came Evans, again on a Toyota GR Yaris, to complete the podium; fourth was Tanak, who nevertheless showed high potential upon his return to Hyundai after his stint at Ford. The next round of the WRC concerns the Swedish stage, scheduled from 15 to 18 February.