Reading about the conditions on the 2015 Monte Carlo Rally one sentence said it all:”This has the makings of an exceptional Monte Carlo”. All Monte Carlo rallies are exceptional, but to define one as being “exceptional” tells one that it is going to be something really different.
And that is what the young Henk Lategan and Barry White will be facing up to in their BBR prepared Skoda S2000. It is a challenge like no other for the youngster who has never faced a situation such as this.
Maxrally this morning reported that the Clerk of the Course have relaxed the rule regarding the use of studded tyres and that competitors will be able to make use of them.
The report also states that the conditions is unpredictable and that competitors could face dry, wet and dry, “black ice” shallow and deep snow on a stage. Mads Ostberg said that tyre choice will be crucial.
In some areas it has stopped snowing, in others it is still snowing.
In these conditions one small mistake can cost you the rally. No matter how careful you are it is very easy to go off the road on the slippery conditions, especially the deceptive “black ice” that covers the asphalt roads.
The fact is, however, that you will not learn anything unless you experience it. And that is what is important for Lategan. To gain experience and the Monte is the one rally that has all the ingredients to teach you what rallying is all about.
And at his age, the experience will be invaluable, not only on the road, but also being in the presence of the world’s best.