During the first special stage of the day, several drivers struggled on a slippery 40-meter stretch. Neuville managed to keep his car on track and set the fastest time, while his teammate Ott Tänak (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) slid off the road and required assistance from spectators to continue. Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota Yaris Rally1) lost over 5 minutes, and Grégoire Munster (Ford Puma Rally1) lost 1 minute.
In the second special stage, Neuville was on track for another fast time until he spun into a slow left corner, losing around 10 seconds. Ogier won the stage and closed the gap to Neuville to 3.1 seconds.
Scouts from the top teams noticed black ice in the descent of the third stage on Friday morning, causing Neuville to adopt a cautious approach. However, he ultimately lost 5.7 seconds to leader Evans. Ogier was once again the fastest man, shaving a further 11.2 seconds off Evans’ time and moving into second place, 10.7 seconds behind the leader. Munster is currently seventh, trailing Evans by 2:33.3.
Unfortunately, the Monte Carlo Rally has already ended for the Belgians John Wartigue and Andernack Maxime (Ford Fiesta MKII) due to a puncture and engine failure during the first and second rides on Thursday evening.