The hybrid era for the world rally championship has begun and Craigs Breen's Ford team will be content with their return on Thursday.
The M-Sport Pumas sit in 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 7th following the first two stages. Racing began in the dark of the Monaco hills, with two stages on winding roads in darkness, including the crossing of the iconic Col de Turini, with frost settling on the asphalt and drivers yet to learn the mix of electric and combustion engine power in competition.
Sebastien Ogier - an eight-time winner in the French Alps - opened the series’ pioneering new hybrid-powered era by winning both speed tests in his Toyota GR Yaris to build a 6.7sec lead.
Snapping on his heels was seven-time Monte winner Sebastien Loeb. In his first WRC drive for more than a year, the French master finished second in both stages in M-Sport Ford’s Puma.
Speaking after his seventh-place finish, Breen offered his thoughts on what had been a mixed bag in his new hybrid machine.
"Honestly - not so bad and not so good at the same time. A difficult start. Everything is very very new and I'm trying to get used to all these new things in the car. We're still here. I had a decent rhythm at times, I was definitely enjoying the car - the car feels really good. Looking forward to tomorrow. It's all in daylight, a little bit easier I hope. Looking forward to seeing what we can do."
