There is nowhere better to start a WRC season than Monte Carlo!(16 to 22 January) The unpredictable and varied weather conditions offer drivers a unique challenge, while the rally also poses some of the most complex logistics for spectators wanting a glimpse of the latest challengers. It’s everything that epitomises a world rally event.
There are a few basic elements to consider when going to watch Rallye Monte Carlo. It’s normally a tarmac rally and also a winter rally. Aside from its glamorous title, the Monte actually takes place in the Southern Alps. It’s a frequently sunny region of Europe and on a good day it can give you the feeling of springtime in mid-winter. The rally can be any mixture of these elements and this is what gives it its special character. Everything between full snow, a rainy dull day and mild sun is possible.
One special characteristic of the stages is the parts in full shadow where the sun at this time of the year does not hit the road and burn away the snow and ice. Here the white snow is not the main challenge because the drivers can see it, instead the back ice is the problem. Black ice is difficult to see and whilst racing on dry tyres, with no studs, it is easy to loose grip and slide off.
Another character of the event is the mountain stages, which have few access roads into the stages for spectators to use. Paired with a lack of hotels in this region, many spectators do opt to use a motorhome for transport and park it in the stages. They remain ‘locked-in’ to see the two passages of the day and then continue to the next lock-in place overnight, ready for the following day.
Shakedown
This is the very first chance to see all the brand new 2017 WRC cars in action together. Rallye Monte Carlo serves up a rather unique shakedown because it starts in late-afternoon daylight, transcending into dusk and finishing in full darkness.
The start of the shakedown stage features two tight hairpins, the first a left-hand corner which flows immediately into an uphill right. This is a great viewing location for spectators because there’s plenty of space high up on the banking overlooking both of these corners. When night falls all the photographers gather here with their powerful flashguns popping like strobe lights at a rock concert. The sights and sounds make for a magical night-time atmosphere and a wonderful start for viewing the Monte Carlo rally.
For a totally different experience, walk into the shakedown stage from the finish. Here you will see the cars at full speed in an open area with a snow capped Hautes Alpes mountain background.