Rally: Good performance by Olivier Burri
RALLY It took place at the end of January, but we would still like to take a brief look back at the 2018 Rally Monte Carlo. While Sébastien Ogier repeated his last year's victory with Ford, Olivier Burri achieved a remarkable result with 3rd place in Group R5 at the 20th Monte start. For Sébastien Ogier, navigated by Julien Ingrassia, it was already the sixth [...]
For Sébastien Ogier, navigated by Julien Ingrassia, it was already the sixth victory at the Rally Monte Carlo, the fifth in a row with a WRC car. Dry and wet asphalt as well as ice and snow made for constantly changing, difficult track conditions.
Ogier also lost his way twice with the Ford Fiesta WRC. However, the time lost was kept within limits, especially as all his opponents had their problems in between. As a result, the world champion was in the lead from start to finish after 17 special stages, four of which he won.
Ott Tanäk had a terrific debut with Toyota. The former Ford driver from Estonia stayed on the heels of the world champion in the second half of the rally and finished his WRC debut with the Toyota Yaris in second place, 58 seconds behind. Team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala finished third ahead of Kris Meeke (Citroën C3 WRC) and Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20 Coupé WRC).
12th place for Olivier Burri, Vuistiner accident
Olivier Burri showed all his experience in his 20th participation in the rally classic in the French Maritime Alps. The Bernjurassier finished the first stage in 19th position in his Skoda Fabia R5. With clever driving and without taking unnecessary risks, he moved up to twelfth place on the third day, which he maintained until the finish.
With a total driving time of 4h 49 min., Burri and co. Andersson Levratti (F) finished third in the R5 category 13:30 min. behind class winner Jan Kopecky and 8:14 min. behind second-placed Kalle Rovanperä (all Skoda Fabia R5). He was thus the best private driver - chapeau!
Unlucky were Ismaël Vuistiner and Florine Kummer, who earned their first Monte participation by winning the Clio R3T Alps Trophy 2017. They came closer and closer towards the top 20 as the rally progressed and were in 22nd position and 1st in class after the morning loop of the third stage.
Like seven other competitors, they slid off the track in their Renault-supplied Clio R3T on SS11 and had to retire. "Until then we had everything under control. We are disappointed, but rich by a huge experience. Thanks to everyone at Renault Switzerland and Renault Sport who made this possible for us!"
