Abu Dhabi Total World Rally driver Stephane Lefebvre was delighted to give the team a hugely-encouraging opening display in Monte Carlo at the weekend.

Rookie Lefebvre, 23, alongside co-driver Gabin Moreau, enjoyed his best WRC result to date with a fifth-placed finish in his Citroen. That successful weekend included a third-place finish on the third stage at just four tenths of a second off the winning pace.

Lefebvre said: “Obviously, I’m delighted to finish in the top five, especially after such a difficult rally.

“I lacked experience when the grip levels were constantly changing and it was tough to find the right rhythm at that point. When the conditions became more consistent, I was able to make use of the experience I acquired at the end of last season.

“Picking up where we had left off with the performance on Sisteron-Thoard on Saturday evening, I kept posting top-five times throughout the final leg.

“There was more water on the Col du Turini stage than I had anticipated so I took it easy on the downhill section. And I still set the third fastest time! It’s good to finish the rally on such a positive note.”

Triple world champion Sebastien Ogier claimed his fourth win in Monte Carlo to send an early warning that he will once again be the man to beat.

The French Volkswagen Polo ace was almost two minutes clear of his Norwegian teammate Andreas Mikkelsen, with Belgian’s Thierry Neville in a Hyundai coming third.

In three weeks’ time, the Abu Dhabi Total WRT will continue their season at Rally Sweden (11-14 February) with three cars, driven by Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi/Chris Patterson, Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle and Craig Breen/Scott Martin.