Hyundai Motorsport has ended the opening day of the 2017 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) season-opener, Rallye Monte-Carlo, at the top of the classification after a strong start for last year’s runner-up Thierry Neuville.
The highly anticipated new WRC season got underway on Thursday afternoon with the traditional ceremonial start in Monaco, followed by the rally’s two opening stages. Neuville and co-driver Nicolas Gilsoul were immediately quick in their Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC – which has been designed to meet WRC’s new technical regulations. The Belgian duo claimed the maiden stage win for Hyundai Motorsport’s latest challenger with a dominant performance in SS2 (Bayons-Bréziers).
Dani Sordo had a trouble-free run through SS2 as he got to grips with the #6 car.
It wasn’t an easy evening for the team, however. Hayden Paddon went off towards the end of the opening stage, after hitting some black ice on the road. The #4 car was sent into the side of the mountain and onto its side. The stage was stopped, and ultimately cancelled, as a result. As a mark of respect for the spectator who sadly passed away during that incident, Hyundai Motorsport has decided to withdraw car #4 from Rallye Monte-Carlo.
Hayden Paddon was unable to complete the opening stages of the rally after a crash towards the end of SS1. Both driver and co-driver were unharmed.
Paddon commented: “That wasn’t the start we wanted to this first rally of the season. We got caught out by some black ice near the end of the first stage. The car snapped sideways and, from there, we were just passengers. There wasn’t much damage to the car but I’m sorry for the team, who have all put in so much work to get here. I am incredibly saddened by today’s accident and my thoughts are with the family and friends of the person involved.”
The following statement was released by Rallye Monte Carlo officials:
‘It is with great sadness that the Automobile Club de Monaco confirms further details of the incident that occurred in SS1 with car #4 (Paddon/Kennard). A spectator was transported by helicopter from the stage to hospital in Nice. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, the spectator has sadly died. An investigation has commenced into the incident and all involved parties will provide assistance to the authorities. Everyone associated with the event extends their deepest sympathies and condolences to the families, friends and individuals affected.’
Overall Classification after Day One
1 T. Neuville N. Gilsoul Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC 15:01.1
2 S. Ogier J. Ingrassia Ford Fiesta WRC +7.8
3 J. Hänninen K. Lindstrom Toyota Yaris WRC +15.0
3 K. Meeke P. Nagle Citroën C3 WRC +15.8
4 O. Tanak M. Jarveoja Ford Fiesta WRC +19.4
5 E. Evans D. Barritt Ford Fiesta WRC +21.0
6 C. Breen S. Martin Citroën DS3 WRC +25.4
7 D. Sordo M. Martí Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC +26.6
8 J. M. Latvala M. Anttila Toyota Yaris WRC +28.4
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