Monte Carlo Rally 2006: OMV Peugeot Norway - Leg 1
The beginning of the FIA World Rally Championship 2006 was an organisational hurdle race for the drivers. Only eleven drivers made it to the start of the first special stage – among them OMV driver Manfred Stohl. But the 33-year-old Viennese chose the wrong set of tyres and lost over two minutes.
In the afternoon, though, Stohl/Minor really put their foot down and finished the first leg in fifth overall place. OMV Peugeot Norway WRT teammate Henning Solberg didn`t get the chance to perform until the afternoon. He finished day one in eleventh overall place.

Tyre poker in the morning
The circumstances at the 74th edition of the Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo were no piece of cake. The biggest challenge was to reach the start of the first special stage. Only eleven competitors made it. The rest had to return to the service zone in Monte Carlo. Manfred Stohl unfortunately made a wrong choice of tyres. The Austrian`s tyre distributor had recommended slicks – which proved to be a mistake. Luckily the third special stage was cancelled, therefore the Viennese is only two minutes behind the top. Stohl: “I felt rather desperate. It was extremely icy and all I could do was to try and remain on the road.“

Race to catch up in the afternoon
But on the second three special stages the Austrian OMV driver gathered momentum. A fact that was proven by third SS-time on SS 5 and second SS-time on SS 6. This means fifth place in the intermediate standings – only 15 seconds behind second place. Stohl: “I only had a spin on SS 4. The rest was smooth sailing. I`m actually rather surprised that we can keep up this well. I`m feeling right at home in the Peugeot and Bozian Racing are doing a perfect job.“

Part-time job for Solberg
Henning Solberg wasn`t too happy when he reached the service in Monte Carlo at noon. The Norwegian had completed over 100 kilometres – but without racing a single special stage. Solberg: “What a disappointment. But that is rallying for you. There are over 50 drivers who had to face the same fate." In the afternoon the former World Champion`s brother was finally able to show his forte. At the end of the day he found himself in twelfth overall place. “We`re quite content. The rally is long and we still have reserves.“

Tags: omv, monte-carlo, peugeot-307, yassen-popov, manfred-stohl,