World champion Ogier storms to Monte Carlo lead

Gap (France) (AFP) - World champion Sebastien Ogier opened up a commanding 51-second lead over French compatriot Bryan Bouffier on the second day of the Monte Carlo Rally on Friday.

Ogier, in a Volkswagen, capitalised on overnight leader Bouffier sliding off the track and into a field in his private Ford Fiesta on the day's third stage.

"Today was much better than yesterday," said Ogier, whose 2014 campaign had got off to a sloppy start on Thursday when he opted for super-slick tyres which struggled for grip on the wet, icy surface.

Poland's former Formula One driver Robert Kubica was forced out of the race when his Ford Fiesta hit a bridge on the ninth stage.

"There was a sudden change of grip. We went into a corner, the front went straight and we hit a bridge," said Kubica.

Citroen's Kris Meeke, who was second overnight, goes into Saturday's last day in third spot, 1min 38.6sec off the lead.