Power Stage to conclude Monte-Carlo thriller

Competitors will get a chance to add to their points totals when Rallye Monte-Carlo hosts its first ever Power Stage on Sunday morning.

The 5.16-kilometre St Agnes-Col de la Madone test will bring the World Rally Championship season-opener to a close when it takes place at 10:11hrs local time.

Bonus points will be on offer to the fastest three drivers with the stage winner receiving three points, the second-placed driver two points and the third quickest competitor one point.

Leading drivers will have to decide whether to attack for additional points or preserve potential podium finishes. If they go for caution then it could allow some of the drivers running further down the order to grab a share of the limelight.

Despite the Power Stage being the last of the demanding five-day Rallye Monte-Carlo, crews will be braced for a tough challenge with the test run on a narrow road characterised by several tight corners making it difficult to establish a good rhythm.

Carlos del Barrio, who co-drives second-placed Dani Sordo, said: “The Power Stage is very twisty, very demanding for the tyres and very easy to have a puncture.”