Answering some of the questions

As the wraps come off the WRC, there are still some lofty benchmarks to aim for

The portents indicated that this would be one of the most open World Rally Championships since, well, last season. After 240 miles of action in the south of France, the result was the same as it had been for the last five seasons in a row. Sebastien Ogier won, and won well, using clever management of his pace and his tyres to show exactly why he is still the championship’s benchmark.

Beyond that, though, the signs are good. Ott Tanak’s head-turning pace with his new car, the Toyota Yaris is promising and, although he dropped it again, Thierry Neuville’s speed was unquestioned for Hyundai.

The real concern, however, centres around Citroen. That is particularly true if you are a fan of home-grown drivers. Kris Meeke and Craig Breen both struggled with the updated WRC C3 and they will both be heading into the season with crossed fingers hoping that there is no repeat of the capitulation that occurred in 2017. If there is, it could spell very bad news for the careers of both of the men at the wheel, through no fault of their own. Matt James, Editor