Monte new driver report: Part two

Here is WRC.com’s view on the performances of the second batch of top-flight drivers in new machinery on Rallye Monte-Carlo.

Dani Sordo (Hyundai i20 WRC)
The Spaniard retired on the road section before SS5 when his car developed a mysterious electrical fault. But the fact that he was lying third at the time gave Hyundai cause for optimism. Sordo did what was asked of him and it would have been great to see the potential of his i20 WRC without any mechanical hiccups.

Mads Ostberg (Citroen DS3 WRC)
Like his team-mate, Ostberg should be proud of his weekend’s work. The DS3 WRC is completely new to him and, after a cautious start on the first morning, he picked things up and began to get faster as his confidence grew. Not starting with a DNF against his name was his target and he delivered for himself and Citroen.

Elfyn Evans (Ford Fiesta RS WRC)
M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson has put a lot of faith in the 25-year-old by giving him a full season in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC. The Welshman repaid a large chunk of that confidence in Monte. He was handicapped to a certain extent by running on conservative tyre choices for much of the rally, but he steered clear of any serious trouble to reach the finish in sixth.