Monte Carlo Rally: Sebastien Ogier and VW win opening stage
Sebastien Ogier got Volkswagen's new World Rally programme off to an incredible start by winning the first stage of the 2013 season opener in Monte Carlo

In his first rally back at the top level since leaving Citroen at the end of 2011, Ogier beat world champion Sebastien Loeb's Citroen by 3.7 seconds.
The French duo already have a gap back to their rivals, with nearest pursuers Dani Sordo and Mikko Hirvonen 20s down on Ogier in the other Citroens.
Evgeny Novikov is the top Ford in fifth, followed by Qatar M-Sport team-mate Thierry Neuville and the second VW of Jari-Matti Latvala.
Stage one began dry, but its latter miles featured snow and ice.

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About this article
Series | WRC |
Drivers | Sébastien Ogier |
Author | Matt Beer |
Monte Carlo Rally: Sebastien Ogier and VW win opening stage
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