Rallying-Neuville takes lead in Monte Carlo season-opener

Hyundai's Thierry Neuville took the lead in the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally after winning two of Saturday's three morning stages.

The Belgian went from third overnight to lead Toyota's Elfyn Evans by 5.1 seconds at the mid-leg service point with three more stages to follow in the afternoon. The asphalt rally ends on Sunday.

France's eight-time world rally champion Sebastien Ogier, bidding for a record-extending 10th win in his home French Alps, was third overall and 2.6 seconds behind Evans in a tight podium battle. Hyundai's Ott Tanak was a distant fourth.

Toyota's reigning champion Kalle Rovanpera is absent from the opening round as part of the Finn's decision to run only a part-time programme this year.