Neuville wins WRC opener in Monte Carlo

The Belgian began the day with a slender 3.3 second lead over Ogier but he powered his Hyundai over the ice-patched mountain roads to a sweep of fastest times in Sunday’s final leg, extending that lead to 16.1sec.

It was the 20th win in Neuville's career and his second in the Monte Carlo Rally.

"I don't have the words, to be honest. It was just so great this weekend, I felt so comfortable in the car.

“The whole team was doing an amazing job and I think the whole package was working really well.

"We were the boss this weekend. It's promising for the rest of the season, even if there's still work to be done.”

Neuville, who also won the Power Stage, took full points and leads the championship with 30 points, six clear of Toyota's Ogier, who will not be driving in all 13 races.

"It was a superb battle with Thierry," said eight-time WRC champion Ogier who only lead the rally briefly on Saturday.

"Well done to him, he has been really fast this weekend.

"It's been a difficult week for me. I've been on a rollercoaster in terms of emotions. I lost someone very important to me at the start of the week and then I had a hard time on Friday."

Welsh driver Elfyn Evans, who lead after the opening day, had to settle for third in his Toyota, finishing 29.1sec behind his teammate Ogier.

He is nine points behind Neuville in the standings.

Double world champion Kalle Rovanperä did not take part in the Monte Carlo Rally and, like Ogier, will only compete in a few races this season.

One of those will be in three week's time in the second rally of the season in Sweden.