WRC: Ogier moves into lead at Monte Carlo rally

Gap, France - Defending world champion Sebastien Ogier moved past overnight leader Kris Meeke midway through the second day of the Monte Carlo rally on Friday.

Ogier, a three-time world champion, got off to strong start to claim the first special stage of the day ahead of Meeke and Jari-Matti Latvala.

Meeke was 0.7 seconds faster than his French rival, who damaged the rear left suspension of his Volkswagen, to lead by 6.7 seconds after four of the 16 stages.

Battle on the slopes

Ogier recovered in the next stage to the Chaillol ski resort, using his driving skills on narrow roads to grab the lead by 1.55 seconds.

.@SebOgier at the end of SS5 #WRC #rallyemontecarlo pic.twitter.com/z3MX4cOGzU

— Best-of-RallyLive (@bestofrallylive) January 22, 2016

Andreas Mikkelsen was in third place before the afternoon stages, 37.8 seconds behind.

The opening race of the world rally championship finishes on Sunday (January 24) .

Stand na KP5: #montecarlo #wrc #rtlgp #rtl7 #rtlrally #ogier #meeke #mikkelsen #citroen #phsport #volkswagen #rally pic.twitter.com/agAWMziPmZ

— RTL Rally Report (@RTLRally) January 22, 2016