Walter Röhrl: “My love for Monte-Carlo”

The profession of faith is clear: “ When I started my career, I had only one goal: to impose myself at least once in the Rally Monte Carlo. This event was the pinnacle! In my head, a victory in Monaco meant much more than a world title! Throughout my life as a rally driver, I have always felt and experienced it this way. » In January 1980, Röhrl took the start of his favorite event for the seventh time. Until then, his best results were two 4th places won in 1976 (in Opel Kadett GTE, behind the Lancia Stratos of Sandro Munari, Björn Waldegard and Bernard Darniche) and in 1978, his Fiat 131 Abarth being beaten by a French trio composed of Jean-Pierre Nicolas (Porsche 911 Alméras), Jean Ragnotti and Guy Fréquelin (both on Renault 5 Alpine). The wheel turns when Walter wins his first Monte-Carlo with a lead of more than 10 minutes over his rivals: 10'38'' over the Lancia Stratos of Bernard Darniche, winner twelve months earlier, and 11'28'' over Björn Waldegard , driving a 131 Abarth identical to his. The Swede is then the reigning world champion. “ Were there such discrepancies?, asks Röhrl. Ten minutes is huge. No doubt Björn encountered problems or made a mistake when choosing his tires... That said, with a Fiat 131 Abarth, it wasn't easy to be faster than me. This was even more true in Monte-Carlo, because I was always more motivated there than anywhere else. This time, my task was made easier by Markku's early exit from the road. (Alén retired in SS3. Editor’s note). In the first special, he was ahead of me by 5 seconds. From the next section, without forcing myself, I set the best time and took the lead, building an advantage of almost half a minute. I remember saying to myself, "If it's going to be this way, let's hit the nail on the head."