Motorsports News | Bike Reviews | Gadget Reviews
  • Home
  • Bike Reviews
  • Car Reviews
  • Product Reviews
  • Motorsports News
    • Isle of Man TT

      • Isle of Man TT 2020
      • Isle of Man TT 2022
    • MotoGP

      • MotoGP 2020
      • MotoGP 2021
      • MotoGP 2022
    • WSBK

      • WSBK 2020
      • WSBK 2021
      • WSBK 2022
    • Dakar

      • Dakar 2020
      • Dakar 2021
      • Dakar 2022
    • WRC

      • WRC 2020
      • WRC 2021
      • WRC 2022
    • Asian Le Mans Series

      • Asian Le Mans Series 2019
      • Asian Le Mans Series 2020/2021
      • Asian Le Mans Series 2022
  • Press Releases
    • Press Releases
    • PR Newswire
  • Others
    • Biker Profiles
    • Launches
  • Contact Us
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
You are here: Home1 / MotorBugs Blog2 / Motorsports News3 / WRC 20204 / Thierry Neuville fires early warning to lead Rallye Monte-Carlo

Thierry Neuville fires early warning to lead Rallye Monte-Carlo

AP-22VN6RBV91W11_hires_jpeg_24bit_rgb

AP-22VNAEUDS1W11_hires_jpeg_24bit_rgb

AP-22VY417352111_hires_jpeg_24bit_rgb

Seb Oiger getting ready at the FIA World Rally Championship, stop 1 in monte Carlo on the 23rd January 2020

AP-22W15J4FS1W11_hires_jpeg_24bit_rgb

AP-22W1ZWKRS1W11_hires_jpeg_24bit_rgb

Max Verstappen, Sebastien Ogier

A sensational time through Thursday night’s second speed test rocketed Thierry Neuville into the lead of Rallye Monte-Carlo after the opening loop of stages in the French Alps.

The Hyundai i20 driver headed Sébastien Ogier’s Toyota Yaris by 19.1 sec when the cars returned to service in Gap after the brace of night time alpine tests.

Seven-time Monte winner Ogier led after the opener, but not even the Frenchman could contain his rival’s speed through the 25.49 km Bayons – Bréziers stage which followed.

Since the recce, all eyes had been on that second stage, with reports of plenty of ice remaining from last weekend’s snowfall. Universally, the drivers talked of the risk and reward of a big attack and it was the Belgian who was bravest.

He was rewarded with an astonishing time that was 25.5 sec faster than anybody else. Neuville was calm and collected at the finish, saying: “They were tricky conditions. I was trying to read the road as well as I could and not take risks. I think we have done a good time.”

Like Ogier and his world champion team-mate Ott Tänak, Neuville opted for a mixture of soft and super soft Michelin tires, shunning the studded option. Leading after the opening stage, a test Ogier described as ‘one of the easiest of the weekend’ courtesy of bone dry conditions, was the perfect start to his season as a Toyota driver.

Tänak was wide-eyed at the end of SS2, admitting: “I’m happy to be alive! That was more of a challenge than I expected.”

The Estonian is just three-tenths of a second ahead of Toyota Yaris newcomer Elfyn Evans. The Welshman was the fastest of the drivers to take a studded option in the second stage.

“The tires helped us in some places,” he said, “but they hampered us a lot as well.”

Evans’ mood was lifted by news that he was 25.6 sec ahead of the Rallye Monte-Carlo’s joint most successful driver, seven-time winner Sébastien Loeb in an i20. Loeb admitted the road was getting dirty in stage one, with plenty of leaves making the line more slippery.

Those leaves caused major issues for M-Sport Ford’s Fiestas. The discarded foliage gathered in the radiators and air intakes, choking the engine of air and sending temperatures soaring on all three works cars of Esapekka Lappi, Teemu Suninen and Gus Greensmith.

Worse was to come when Suninen retired with a transmission problem in the next test.

Friday brings the most intense leg with more than a third of the event’s total competitive distance tackled in three repeated tests south-east and east of the town. They add up to 122.58 km.

Positions after leg 1:

1. T Neuville / N Gilsoul BEL Hyundai i20 26 min 23.5 sec
2. S Ogier / J Ingrassia FRA Toyota Yaris +19.1 sec
3. O Tänak / M Jarveoja EST Hyundai i20 +25.1 sec
4. E Evans / S Martin Toyota Yaris 26m +25.4 sec
5. S Loeb / D Elena FRA Hyundai i20 +51.0 sec
6. E Lappi / J Ferm FIN Ford Fiesta +1 min 07.8 sec

Credits : Photos and content courtesy of Red Bull Media House

Check Out Our Instagram Feed

Motorbugs

motorbugs

Automotive | Events | Gorgeous Pic | Gadgets | People
@nikonsg @nikonmalaysia

🏎️🇲🇾 Exciting news for racing fans in M 🏎️🇲🇾 Exciting news for racing fans in Malaysia! Introducing the GR86 Cup Malaysia Series 2025, featuring the sleek Toyota GR86 sports coupe. Get ready for adrenaline-pumping action with support races at iconic Sepang Circuit. Don’t miss out on the thrills! 🚦🏁 #GR86Cup #MalaysiaRacing #SepangCircuit #ToyotaGR86 #トヨタ #MotorBugs
The cutest EV is making its way into Malaysia mark The cutest EV is making its way into Malaysia market! 

Tan Chong Motor Group is working hand in hand with TQ WULING to introduce its brand into Malaysia. All Wuling cars will be local assembled in Tan Chong Segambut. 
First Wuling EV vehicle that will be launch Q4 2025 in Malaysia - Wuling EV Bingo!

With its compact, rounded body, cute headlights, this car exudes a friendly, cartoon-like charm. Its pastel color and minimalist design enhance its playful, youthful vibe. Perfect for stylish city drives, at an estimated price point below RM100,000. 

Stay tuned for the official launch 😻

#TanChong #Wuling #Motorbugs #Bingo
Tan Chong Motor Group today announced the introduc Tan Chong Motor Group today announced the introduction of the TQ WULING brand in Malaysia. This marks a significant milestone through a strategic alliance with SAIC GM Wuling Automobile Co Ltd (SGM Wuling), a leading Chinese automotive company known for producing electric cars and plug-in hybrids to internal combustion models, along with versatile people-movers and functional commercial vehicles. 

#TanChong #TangChongMotor #WuLing #Motorbugs
cinematic replay on #TGR Rewind ⏪ moments on @M cinematic replay on #TGR 
Rewind ⏪ moments on @MotorBugs FB/ Website
POV: Your Weekend Ride Classic Style Meets Modern POV: Your Weekend Ride
Classic Style Meets Modern Performance 

#Heritage400 ~ Pricing at RM22,800+
@hanwaymalaysia #hanway #BSeries #MotorBugs
Proof that all those laps and adrenaline were wort Proof that all those laps and adrenaline were worth it! 

#トヨタ #TGR #Motorbugs
What went on on the track P3 What went on on the track P3
What went on on the track P2 What went on on the track P2
What went on on the track P1 What went on on the track P1
Guess who? Just a bunch of mystery racers rocking Guess who? Just a bunch of mystery racers rocking in helmets like superheroes!

#Motorbugs #TGR @tgrmalaysia
トヨタ GAZOO Racing The 2025 edition of the T トヨタ GAZOO Racing

 The 2025 edition of the Toyota VIOS Challenge kicks off with an adrenaline-packed season featuring 4 rounds of racing across 3 distinct categories:

Super Sporting Class (Gold Championship for professionals),
Sporting Class (Gold Championship for amateurs), and the
Rookie Class (for selected young talents development program)

#TGR #ToyotaGazooRacing2025 #ViosChallenge #Motorbugs #トヨタ
GR Supra Track Edition #GRSupra #Toyota #Motorbug GR Supra Track Edition 
#GRSupra #Toyota #Motorbugs
Speed, Style and something Wicked! GR SUPRA TRACK Speed, Style and something Wicked!

GR SUPRA TRACK EDITION ADDS TRACK-FOCUSSED ENHANCEMENTS

The latest of these special versions is the GR Supra Track Edition which has upgrades and features that make it an even more capable machine on the track. With its upgraded specifications, the Track Edition provides a more integrated driving experience on the track while also enhancing driving dynamics on winding roads.

#GRSupra #Toyota #Motorbugs
Precision. Power. Passion. The GR Yaris Automatic Precision. Power. Passion. The GR Yaris Automatic 2025 is here. 

With the new 8-speed automatic transmission, a wider range of people can enjoy fun and sporty driving. As with all GR high-performance vehicles, the transmission has been developed and tested in motorsport conditions to ensure that it is durable and reliable as part of Toyota’s quest to provide ever better cars.
The 2025 model has all the improvements of the Improved GR Yaris which has evolved since its original introduction in 2021. These include design changes on the bodywork, increased output from the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, a new cooling package and enhanced suspension durability and handling.
Visit www.toyota.com.my and Move Your World. 

@toyotamy @toyota @toyotayarisclub 

#toyotagryaris #YARIS #Motorbugs
S1 VIOS CHALLENGE 2025 🏁🏆 Round 1 of the 20 S1 VIOS CHALLENGE 2025 🏁🏆

Round 1 of the 2025 Vios Challenge concluded with some mighty fierce on-track action which saw the younger generation of racers outpacing the accomplished veterans. #ViosChallenge #ToyotaGazoo #Motorbugs
The 17-year-old, Monai, is amongst the youngest ra The 17-year-old, Monai, is amongst the youngest racers competing in the Sporting Class for amateurs and represents Ruk Team Nexzter PMC 52. 

 #Motorbugs #ViosChallenge #ToyotaGazoo #vioschallenge #Toyotagazoo #VIOS
Toyota Gazoo Racing 2025🥇Day 1, Round1, Race1 Toyota Gazoo Racing 2025🥇Day 1, Round1, Race1 
Super Sporting Class: Ady Rahimy – Laser Motor Racing
Sporting Class: Adam Mikail – G-Mart Motorsport
Rookie Class: Harkiesh Geeva
Race 2 resumes tomorrow (27 April) and to catch the 2025 Vios Challenge action! 

#ViosChallenge #ToyotaGazoo #Motorbugs @tgrmalaysia
2025 VIOS CHALLENGE SPORTING CLASS TOYOTA GAZOO RA 2025 VIOS CHALLENGE SPORTING CLASS TOYOTA GAZOO RACING

The opening round of the 2025 Vios Challenge kicked off with some spectacular door-to-door battles from start to finish in all three individual classes of racing that unveiled the rise of young drivers belonging to Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Young Talent Development Program dominating the winners’ podium.

Super Sporting Class: Ady Rahimy – Laser Motor Racing
Sporting Class: Adam Mikail – G-Mart Motorsport
Rookie Class: Harkiesh Geeva

Race 2 resumes tomorrow (27 April) and to catch the 2025 Vios Challenge action! 

https://motorbugs.com/2025-vios-challenge-sporting-class-toyota-gazoo-racing/ 

#ViosChallenge #ToyotaGazoo #Motorbugs
Round 1 of Toyota Gazoo Racing @tgrmalaysia #Vio Round 1 of Toyota Gazoo Racing 

@tgrmalaysia #Vios #toyotagazoo #vioschallenge #motorbugs
Toyota Gazoo Racing #Vios Challenge 2025 Round 1 Toyota Gazoo Racing #Vios Challenge 2025 Round 1 

#toyotagazoo #toyota #vioschallenge #motorbugs
Load More Follow on Instagram

Check Out Our Facebook Feed

MotorBugs

MotorBugs

571

The Latest Happenings in the World of Motorsports.

MotorBugs

22 hours ago

MotorBugs
🏎️🇲🇾 Exciting news for racing fans in Malaysia! Introducing the GR86 Cup Malaysia Series 2025, featuring the sleek Toyota GR86 sports coupe. Get ready for adrenaline-pumping action with support races at iconic Sepang Circuit. Don’t miss out on the thrills! 🚦🏁 #GR86Cup #MalaysiaRacing #SepangCircuit #ToyotaGR86 #トヨタ #MotorBugs ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

MotorBugs is at Sepang International Circuit.

1 week ago

MotorBugs
Proof that all those laps and adrenaline were worth it! #トヨタ #TGR #motorBugs ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

MotorBugs

1 week ago

MotorBugs
トヨタ GAZOO RacingThe opening round of the year saw a total of 36 racers, including one from Thailand and Singapore, competing in three individual classes of racing: Super Sporting for professional drivers; Sporting for amateurs; and Rookie for young drivers under Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Young Talent Development Program.The 2025 edition of the Toyota VIOS Challenge kicks off with an adrenaline-packed season featuring 4 rounds of racing across 3 distinct categories:Super Sporting Class (Gold Championship for professionals),Sporting Class (Gold Championship for amateurs), and theRookie Class (for selected young talents development program)#TGR #ToyotaGazooRacing2025 #ViosChallenge #Motorbugs ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

MotorBugs is at Sepang International Circuit.

1 week ago

MotorBugs
Weekend Race in @Sepang Circuit RISE OF THE YOUNG DRIVERS UNSTOPPABLE IN ROUND 1 OF THE 2025 VIOS CHALLENGE#TGR #toyotagazoorace #motorBugs ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

MotorBugs

2 weeks ago

MotorBugs
GR Supra Track Edition #grsapura #toyota #motorBugs ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Recent Motorbugs News

  • Tan Chong Motor Group Enters Strategic Partnership with SGM Wuling to Launch TQ WULING Brand in Malaysia.
  • BMW Motorrad Malaysia unveils the New BMW F 900 XR and the All-New BMW R 12 nineT.
  • Introducing the New Hanway Bobber Series.
  • UMW TOYOTA MOTOR EXPANDS GAZOO RACING LINEUP WITH THE GR SUPRA TRACK EDITION AND GR YARIS AUTOMATIC VARIANT
  • Speed, Style and something Wicked! GR SUPRA TRACK EDITION
Copyright © 2020 Motorbugs
Web Solutions by Phlocode Web Solutions
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
Dakar Rally – Carlos Sainz holds off rivals for third title in Saudi ... Sébastien Ogier snatches Monte-Carlo lead as champion Tänak crashes badly...
Scroll to top