Jon Armstrong sits fifth after three stages of his World Rally Championship debut at Rallye Monte Carlo. The Northern Irishman, driving for M-Sport Ford, impressed by going third fastest on the ice-covered second stage before safety concerns forced a halt. He was awarded a notional time for the stopped third stage, dropping him from a provisional third overall.

Oliver Solberg leads for Toyota, having overtaken teammate Elfyn Evans after Evans set the fastest time on Thursday's opener. Reigning champion Sebastien Ogier is third for Toyota. Armstrong, a minute 34.5 seconds back, called the fog-related stop the right decision. Fellow Motorsport Ireland driver Josh McErlean crashed early but will return.

The rally resumes Friday with six stages before concluding Saturday and Sunday. Armstrong's solid start shows his pace in Rally1 machinery, though he admits the WRC's operational side makes him nervous. His performance positions him as a driver to watch as the season progresses and for future events.