Ogier takes lead at Monte Carlo after Neuville’s puncture

Defending world rally champion Sebastien Ogier moved into the lead at the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally on Saturday after Belgian driver Thierry Neuville sustained a puncture on the day’s last stage and went out of contention. Neuville, who won three stages on Friday and the first on Saturday, was in the race lead when his Hyundai halted midway through the 13th stage of 17 overall with a punctured rear-left tire.

Dakar favourite emerges as Price crashes out

JOAN Barreda has become the clear favourite to win his first Dakar Rally after a dramatic end to Stage 4. The Spaniard leads the motorcycle class by over 18 minutes after one of his biggest threats, Toby Price, crashed out of the rally late in the stage. Matthias Walkner went on to claim the day’s two-wheel win, while Cyril Despres claimed his first stage win of 2017 in the car class.