Elfyn Evans holds second place at Rallye Monte Carlo after a dramatic Friday in the World Rally Championship, while Jon Armstrong slipped to sixth.
Wales’ Evans is one minute and eight seconds behind Toyota team-mate Oliver Solberg, who continued his superb performance in the French Alps.
Reigning champion Sebastien Ogier, who beat Evans to the title last year, is now just 6.5 seconds behind his Toyota team-mate after he won the final two stages of the day.
“We lost quite a bit of ground to Seb, who’s been doing a great job, so it’s close and exciting for Saturday,” said Evans, 36.
“With more difficult conditions to come, it looks like it will be a classic ‘Monte’ until the end.”
The Hyundai duo of Adrien Fourmaux and Thierry Neuville are a distant fourth and fifth ahead of Northern Ireland’s Armstrong, who has fallen to sixth place after an impressive opening day.
The M-Sport driver, who had been third after the opening two stages, lost three minutes to change a puncture after he ran into a ditch at high speed.
“Considering the issues we had, it’s not been an easy day, but that’s Monte,” said the 31-year-old Armstrong.
His M-Sport and Motorsport Ireland team-mate Josh McErlean suffered his second accident of the week after he slid off the road and got stuck in a snowbank on Friday’s final stage.
The 26-year-old was one of several drivers who were caught out by an icy corner on the second stage on Thursday night, when his Ford Puma Rally1 got stuck in a ditch.
The opening event of the season continues on Saturday with four stages, and four more to follow on Sunday.
Rallye Monte Carlo Standings (9/17 stages)
1. Olilver Solberg SWE (Toyota) Leader
2. Elfyn Evans GB (Toyota) +1m 08.4s
3. Sebastien Ogier FRA (Toyota) +1m 14.9s
4. Adrien Fourmaux FRA (Hyundai) +5m 05.2s
5. Thierry Neuville BEL (Hyundai) +6m 05.3s
6. Jon Armstrong IRL (Ford) +7m 18.8s
RET Josh McErlean IRL (Ford)
BBC News
Khamrah by Lattafa for Men - 3.4 oz EDP Spray
4% OffGhost Sweetheart Eau de Toilette | Pineapple, Jasmine and Sandalwood | Perfume for Women 50 ml
50% OffMarc Jacobs Dot Eau De Parfum for Women, 100 ml
42% OffTed Baker W Eau de Toilette for Her, Fig Leaf, White Peony and Violet Top Notes, Pink Orchid and Raspberry Middle Notes, 75ml
£11.77 (£15.69 / 100 ml) (as of 02/07/2026 03:53 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Ted Baker Woman Pink Eau de Toilette Spray Floral Green Feminine Fragrance, Opening Notes are Fresh Peach, Bergamot and Tangerine with Warm Musk, Vanilla and Vetiver Base, 100ml
11% OffVera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette - 30 ml
Choco Musk 50ml Eau De Parfum for men and women | Chocolate Musk by Jannat Aromas
17% OffChristina Aguilera Signature Eau de Parfum (50ml) Floral, Fruity & Exotic Scent, Luxury Fragrance for Women
9% OffCalvin Klein - Eau De Toilette CKIN2U - Calvin Klein Women, Ladies Perfume, Women's Perfume, Calvin Klein Perfume, Calvin Klein One - 150 ml
5% OffJimmy Choo Flash Eau de Parfum, 60 ml (Pack of 1)
3% OffFruit of the Loom Men's Heavy T Shirt, White, XL UK
28% OffATNKE LED Lighted Beanie Cap,USB Rechargeable Running Hat Ultra Bright 4 LED Waterproof Light Winter Warm Gifts for Men and Women/Pink
Now retrieving the rating.
17% OffMen's 1/4 Zip Pullover UK Sale Clearance, Fleece Sweatshirt Casual Jumper Long Sleeve T-shirt Top Stand Collar Sweater Plain Pullover Sports Leisure Workwear Quarter Zip Sweater Lightweight Jumpers
Now retrieving the rating.
£5.88 (as of 12/11/2025 00:52 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)