WRC: Drivers set sights for the title as iconic season opener impends.

By Mukiibi Herbert

Scheduled for the 24th-28th January, the 92nd edition of Rallye Monte-carlo will again bring
to the fore as the 2024 WRC season kicks o next week.

In search for wintry weather, the event will this time relocate to Gap from Monaco and by so
the drivers will only have two tyre choices, either the soft compound or the super soft snow
tyres with or withor studs.

The event is comprised of 17 competitive stages covering a distance of 324 kilometers and so
far a capacity of 70 car entry has been assembled to take on the challenge.
For the third time of the Rally 1 hybrid era, three manufactures will again feature for the 2024
season as all all teams managed to reveal their driver line ups for the season i.e Toyota Gazoo,
M-Sport and Hyundai WRT.

Among the contenders are Sebastien Ogier who is eyeing a record tenth Rallye Monte Carlo
victory, an event he previously won last year. Reigning champion Kalle Rovanperra opted for a
part-time program this year, sharing a car with Ogier and so won’t show up for Monte Carlo.
Elfyn Evans, the 2023 runner-up and Takamoto Katsuta will complete the Toyota GR Rally 1
Hybrid line up both in a strong bid for the 2024 World title.

With a line up of 5 drivers for the season, Hyundai World rally team arguably stands favorite
for the 2024 manufacture title. The team will feature Ott Tanak and Thierry Neuville as the full
time squad alongside Dani Sordo, Esappeka Lappi and Andreas Mikkelsen as the part time
squad each selecting a round strategically for the manufacture title bid.

However, Andreas Mikkelsen will take on the duty at Rallye Monte Carlo supporting Tanak and
Neuville who are both looking forward to the World title.
Adrien Fourmaux alongside Gregoire Munster will team up for the M-Sport Ford World Rally
team as full time drivers hence bringing a youthful enthusiasm to the British Squad a team
that registered its first win under the hybrid era last year.

Under the support category, Oliver Solberg, Chris Ingram, Yohan Russel, Nikolay Gryazin, Sami
Pajari… among others, will be among the 22 crews eligible for the WRC2 points on Monte
Carlo all looking forward to the WRC2 accolades.

The ceremonial start on Thursday 25th January in Monaco will take place in the presence of
FIA Deputy Vice President, Robert Reid

About The Author