Sebastien Ogier has taken the lead in the 2025 WRC Monte Carlo Rally after an impressive Friday performance, overcoming an earlier 20-second deficit from Thursday's stages. The eight-time World Rally Champion now leads by 12.6 seconds, pursuing his tenth Monte Carlo Rally victory.

The day saw dramatic shifts in leadership, with Elfyn Evans briefly taking command from overnight leader Thierry Neuville. However, Neuville's hopes diminished after suffering rear-left suspension damage, while Evans later lost his advantage after a half-spin on treacherous ice.

Adrien Fourmaux, in his Hyundai debut, holds third place, just 1.6 seconds behind Evans. Kalle Rovanpera, returning to full-time competition, sits fourth, while Ott Tanak maintains fifth despite damaging his car's rear bodywork in a collision with a telegraph pole.

In WRC2, Yohan Rossel has established dominance, leading his class by over two minutes in his Citroen C3 Rally2, with Eric Camilli's Hyundai i20 N Rally2 in second.

Current Overall Standings after Friday:

• Sebastien Ogier (Toyota) - 1h27m00.6s
• Elfyn Evans (Toyota) +12.6s
• Adrien Fourmaux (Hyundai) +14.2s
• Kalle Rovanpera (Toyota) +38.5s
• Ott Tanak (Hyundai) +47.3s

Saturday's leg features six all-asphalt stages covering 81.65 miles, with challenging conditions expected due to potential ice and rain.

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