Summary Sebastien Ogier claimed victory in the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally on Saturday.
MONACO (AFP) - World champion Sebastien Ogier claimed victory in the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally on Saturday, the 82nd edition of the classic race.
Ogier, in a VW Polo-R, finished ahead of French compatriot Bryan Bouffier, in a Ford Fiesta, with British Citroen driver Kris Meeke in third.
It was Ogier's second career win in the principality but first at the elite world championship level.
He had won the 2009 International Challenge in a Peugeot.
"I am super-happy because I have already achieved one of my ambitions for the season," said Ogier, who had led the rally since the middle of Friday.
"We are attacking the season in the best way just like we did at the end of last season.
"We didn't look like winning when we were in ninth place on the first day and a minute and a half off the lead.
"But it's crucial never to have doubts and I never lost confidence."
