World champion Sebastien Ogier claimed victory in the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally on Saturday, the 82nd edition of the classic race.

Ogier, in a VW Polo-R, finished ahead of French compatriot Bryan Bouffier, in a Ford Fiesta, with British Citroen driver Kris Meeke in third.

It was Ogier’s second career win in the principality but first at the elite world championship level.

He had won the 2009 International Challenge in a Peugeot.