Prince Albert II opened the ninth edition of the E-Rallye Monte-Carlo on the evening of Wednesday October 15th from Casino Square, sending off 62 crews from 18 different countries.

The event, organised by the Automobile Club de Monaco, is a regularity rally exclusively for fully electric vehicles. This year’s competition features 37 different models from 17 manufacturers.

Among the participants is Camille Gottlieb, the Prince’s niece and daughter of Princess Stephanie of Monaco, who is partnering with Margaux Grundstein. The pair won the FIA consumption category last year and are hoping to repeat their success while also promoting Be Safe Monaco, an organisation focused on tackling drink-driving.

Another prominent participant is Italian former Formula 1 driver Stefano Modena, who previously competed in multiple Grand Prix races. He is racing alongside co-driver Jack Scarlett Richardson.

Several other Monegasque teams are competing including Olivier Campana and Nicolas Milanesio, who finished second in last year’s event. Campana, who serves as deputy general manager of the Yacht Club de Monaco, is competing in his fifth rally.

After the ceremonial start, competitors immediately faced two regularity stages, including a night-time run through the famous Col de Turini. Thursday’s programme includes four more stages through the Alps and Italian Piedmonth, with crews tackling the Col de la Lombarde at over 2,300 metres altitude before returning to Monaco’s Esplanade des Pêcheurs around 6pm.

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More photos of the depart can be found in the gallery below…(all photos credit: Monaco Life)