The Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo, held at the end of January, is the oldest event in the World Rally Championship (WRC) and also the longest running event in rally sport, with roots back to 1911. This makes it one of the most prestigious events in the WRC calendar, with many legends born on the slippery, icy hairpins.

The wintry asphalt surface makes the race one of the most demanding - a tricky mix of weather and road conditions which makes for an interesting spectacle and the race attracts enthusiasts and rally sport romantics in equal measure.

The event is the only four-day rally in the WRC calendar, but today the name is something of a misnomer, with little of the actual event based in Monte Carlo. The majority of the race is held in Valence, which is close to the twisty mountain roads of the Vercors and Ardeche regions of France.

There are two aspects of this race that set it apart from the other venues, 'The Night of Turini', or more famously known as the 'Night of the Long Knives', as are called the car headlights jutting out through the dark. Watching a race in the dark might not sound a great spectacle but watching the headlights stream towards you and then the car dissipate into the mountain's dark is quite enthralling. The other special stage of this event occurs on the Sunday of the race weekend. The event ends on part of Monaco's F1 circuit, which means that you can experience the luxury of Monaco after the winner has been decided and the WRC starts to pack its bags for the next event.

Written by  John Johnston.

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does it cost any thing to drive on the monte carlo rally circuit?

me and a few of my mates are going on a tour of most of the rally circuits around europe and the UK we would like to know if it costs anything to drive on the rally circuit please. thanks a lot

yours sinseraly sion owen

 

Question posted 16th November 2009 by sion owen.

1 reply...

The Monte Carlo Rally is run on regular roads -though pretty exciting ones! Or do you mean the F1 Grand Prix track that you want to drive on? Even then you don't need to worry - a lot of it is on the streets.

 

Reply posted 17th November 2009 by Andrew.

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