Returning to the itinerary after an 18-year hiatus, Saturday’s final stage (SS13) was held around the principality, using the start / finish straight of the Formula 1 circuit as well as the famous Rascasse and Tabac corners.
Heavy rain however made it a tricky affair, and caught many drivers on the wrong tires (super softs).
Fourmaux was controlled and calculated when he needed to take the fastest time – Hyundai’s first of the weekend and indeed the 2026 season – by just 0.7s over Takamoto Katsuta.
There were mishaps and moments for a few drivers though, not least Grégoire Munster who spun and stalled his Ford Puma Rally1 at the mandatory donut. He admitted he regretted where he positioned his tires, with a super-soft on the rear-right (the tire loaded by the donut) and front-left.
Thierry Neuville was also in a spin at the same place, setting the car up early but carrying too much speed meaning his i20 spun on its own axis before he managed to negotiate the obstacle.
He still managed the third-fastest time though (+4.4s), with Sébastien Ogier (+4.9s) and Elfyn Evans (+5.5s) completed the top five times, with rally leader Oliver Solberg just 10th fastest.
That means the Swede carries a 59.3s lead into Sunday’s final leg, with Evans second and 26s clear of Ogier. Fourmaux and Neuville complete the top five.
“Well I did a terrible first donut so that was not good,” Solberg said, “the second one was alright but it’s raining so much and there’s so much water on the track that I didn’t want to mess it up after a great weekend so far.
“It’s been a fantastic day, fantastic weekend so far, really tricky out there as I think everyone’s seen but I’m in a good position. Let’s see tomorrow – it’s probably going to be another crazy day.”
