WRC drivers arrive at Monza

The farewell party promises to be lively! After having been the sole manufacturer of the WRC for four years (2021-2024), Pirelli will give way to Hankook starting with Monte Carlo 2025 (January 23-26). To mark its withdrawal, the Italian manufacturer organized a celebration as part of the Monza Rally Show, an event that had twice been included in the world calendar during the pandemic (2020-2021) and which is located very close to Milan where one of the rubber manufacturer's design offices is located.

For the occasion, the teams responded and this makes for a very interesting line-up. M-Sport will be fielding a Ford Puma Rally1 and it could well be the last appearance ofAdrien fourmaux at the wheel if the rumors concerning his next transfer to Hyundai are confirmed. The Korean team will be represented by Dani Sordo and the new world champion Thierry Neuville. Finally, it is on the side of the Toyota Gazoo Racing will have the most dense workforce since 4 drivers should be competing on the Lombard circuit. Kalle Rovanperä, Sébastien Ogier and Jari-Matti Latvala will have Yaris Rally1s while the 2024 WRC2 winner, Sami Pajari, will leave this category with his Yaris Rally2. For these drivers, Monza will certainly be the last opportunity to evolve at the wheel of Rally1s equipped with the hybrid unit. The observation is similar among spectators who may not miss too much the shrill noise of construction machinery made by the Rally1s in electric mode…

The presence of all these names does not mean that they will all compete in the rally which is organized within the grounds of the Monza park. This original event which uses parts of the track, but also uses the car parks or the access and service roads of the "Autodromo" will consist of 9 special stages and 154,38 km timed. They will however be called upon for baptisms with guests and some of them, including Neuville, Sordo, Fourmaux and Ogier will take part in the famous Masters' Show on Sunday on the starting straight of the circuit. This meeting does not count towards any championship, there is a good chance that the actors will have a great time and offer an unbridled spectacle during two-by-two clashes where no one will want to give in.

Rally program

Friday December 6, XNUMX

08:30 Shakedown

13:40 p.m. SS1 Autodromo 1 (10,80 km)

16:30 p.m. ES2 Roggia 1 (11,60 km)

Saturday December 7

08:00 p.m. ES3 Roggia 2 (11,60 km)

10:50 a.m. SS4 Grand Prix 1 (33,20 km)

13:30 a.m. SS5 Grand Prix 2 (33,20 km)

16:10 p.m. SS6 Parabolic 1 (11,30 km)

18:40 p.m. SS7 Parabolic 2 (11,30 km)

Sunday December 8

08:00 SS8 Autodromo 2 (10,80 km)

08:00 ES9 Roccolo (20,40 km)

14:00 p.m. – Masters' Show