Qatar M-Sport’s quartet tackled the challenge of Rallye Monte-Carlo head-on today as they embarked on the traditional start of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

After the first full day of competition, Evgeny Novikov lies sixth with Mads Østberg seventh* and Juho Hänninen eighth. Unfortunately there was misfortune for Belgium’s latest protégé, Thierry Neuville. Having set an impressive pace on his debut with the Ford Fiesta RS WRC, the young Belgian was forced to retire from the event on SS4.

A challenging debut awaits the Qatar M-Sport and Qatar World Rally Teams next week as the outfits make their debuts in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) at the series’ traditional start to the season – Rallye Monte-Carlo. Famed as one of the most demanding and punishing rounds on the calendar, a strong result in Monte-Carlo is no mean feat, but Mads Østberg, Evgeny Novikov, Thierry Neuville and Juho Hänninen will be aiming for just that as the quartet embark on their 2013 campaign with the Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

Mads and Jonas are ready for the first event of the 2013 WRC season, Rallye Monte Carlo. 3 days of recce starts Saturday 12 January, Shakedown is scheduled on Tuesday 15. Prize-ceremony will be held outside the Palace in Monte Carlo on Sunday 20 January.