WRC

RALLY MONTE-CARLO

After Thursday evening’s glamorous Monte-Carlo start in Casino Square, two tough stages in darkness in the Alps punctuate the run up to Gap.
Two loops of three remote tests south of the town form a compact but tiring Friday, which contains almost 145km of against-the-clock action.
Equally gruelling third leg on Saturday features five more stages, all but one north of Gap, before the last service of the rally there and a long journey back to Monaco.
Sunday’s finale, as is traditional, runs in the Alpes Maritimes mountains above the Principality and features two passes over the legendary Col de Turini.

Col de Turini. One of the sport’s iconic locations, where enormous crowds will gather to watch competitors cross the mountain summit in the La Bollene Vesubie – Peira Cava test in the final leg. An incredible atmosphere and a ‘must-do’ for visitors.

Essentially an asphalt rally but unpredictable mountain weather brings varied conditions.
Competitors must expect snow, ice and dry asphalt – often encountering all in the same stage.
They must balance the need for grip in winter weather with that required for dry asphalt.
Shrewd tyre selection providing the best compromise for frequently changing conditions is key.
Experience and the ability to ‘read’ conditions is vital.

Asphalt suspension.
Wacky tyre selections which can include studded tyres on opposite corners of the car, matched with dry weather rubber.
Two spare tyres is normal.
Additional light pods for Thursday’s night stages.

Rallye Monte-Carlo is the WRC’s jewel in the crown and the oldest in the calendar.
First run in 1911, it was designed to promote Monte-Carlo as a tourist destination, with competitors starting from different European cities before gathering in Monaco.
The 1966 rally became famed for its controversial outcome when giant-killing Mini Coopers claimed the top three places before being disqualified for alleged infringements of headlight regulations.

Fifty per cent of the route will be new compared to 2017.
Thursday night’s classic Thoard – Sisteron stage over the Col de Fontbelle will be contested in that direction for the first time in WRC history.

The 2018 WRC season opening in Monaco’s Casino Square.
Thursday night’s opening two special stages – a rare opportunity to experience the magical atmosphere, sights and sounds of WRC competition in darkness.
Gap service park. Watch the teams work against the clock to prepare their cars for the following day’s action in Thursday, Friday and Saturday’s end-of-day 45-minute service.
Sunday’s finish outside the Palace in Monaco, with monarch Prince Albert presenting the prizes.