Neuville delivered statement win to announce his title credentials as the championship adjusts to the fact that reigning world champion Kalle Rovanpera has elected to contest a partial campaign this season.
The drive was arguably Neuville’s greatest of his WRC career as he defeated an inspired Ogier by 16.1s. But Ogier’s performance was made all the more impressive given the nine-time Monte Carlo winner had to manage the emotions of losing an inspirational family member in the lead up to the rally.
The tense battle for victory played out in the backdrop of WRC’s new radical points scoring system that has divided opinion, which made its debut at the famous asphalt rally.
