The 94th Monte Carlo departed from Monaco’s Port Hercule on Thursday afternoon, with 66 crews heading into the Alps to face what competitors are calling exceptionally challenging conditions.
Minister of State Christophe Mirmand was the one to officially flag away the first car from Port Hercule at 2:30pm, with Minister of Social Affairs and Health Christophe Robino and Minister of the Interior Lionel Beffre signalling later departures. Cars left at two-minute intervals for the liaison route to Gap.
Hundreds of spectators filled the port to witness the departure, and despite light rain they lined the carriers as crews waved before heading off.
Meanwhile, Port Hercule saw large crowds gather earlier in the day, as well as during the autograph sessions, where Rally1 drivers signed everything from books and photos to T-shirts and posters.
Immediately after the autograph sessions, fans also had the opportunity to watch the rally cars line up for their official photo, followed by the drivers gathering around the trophy for a group shot of their own.
The highlight came when Sébastien Ogier unveiled Toyota’s new car to an enthusiastic crowd.
Even the 10-time Monte Carlo winner expressed caution about the rally ahead. “It’s going to be very difficult,” he said.
Three treacherous stages await
Adrien Fourmaux echoed the sentiment during the podium talks.
“Conditions tonight will be really tricky. But it should be spectacular with the night-time spectators and the snow.”
The opening day features three stages between the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. After the 21.90km Toudon-Saint-Antonin test, crews face two night stages: the 23.80km Esclangon-Seyne-les-Alpes run and the 15.06km Vaumeilh-Claret stage. The Col du Fanget summit could prove particularly treacherous, with ice and snow forecast.
The rally now runs through January 25th, with all crews spending Thursday night in Gap before Friday’s stages.
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Main photo credit: Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life