Monte Carlo Rally: A busy reconnaissance schedule

Since Sunday, the crews participating in the 94th Rally Preparations for the Monte Carlo Rally (January 22-25) are well underway. Of course, they were already hard at work beforehand, with significant camera work and deciphering of the road book, especially for the co-drivers who have to absorb a huge amount of information before tackling the first round of the World Rally Championship. But it's the reconnaissance runs of the route that are currently occupying everyone's attention. After the magnificent season launch ceremony held in Monaco on Saturday, the competitors took the opportunity to begin their reconnaissance runs with the Prince's Super Special Stage the following day. Everyone agrees that it will be a truly spectacular event, one that will be remembered and should delight the fans. It's been since 2008 that the Monte Carlo Rally hasn't held a special stage on the streets of the Principality: the images it will provide should be spectacular.

The return of some myths

Engaged in their journey back to Gap, the crews then took the opportunity to reconnoiter Sunday's special stages: the Col du Turini, as well as the Col de Braus and Col de la Cabanette, which are featured this year in the Monte Carlo Rally. For the first of these two, the novelty lies in its finish, since last year, once over the Col du Turini, the drivers turned right towards Peïra-Cava. This year, they will turn left and tackle the "historic" version of the stage with its very technical descent towards Moulinet. Local businesses successfully lobbied residents to bring the rally back through their town, as the latter frequently complained about the cars passing through. The last time the rally was held there was during Sébastien's victory. Loeb aboard the Ford Puma Rally1 Hybrid. For the Col de Braus stage, the French may have a slight advantage as the sector is frequently used during the Rallye Antibes Côte d'Azur and generally provides very beautiful images in its impressive descent made up of tight hairpin bends.

Vigilance is needed for the first stage.

On Monday, January 19th, the crews began their reconnaissance runs for Thursday's stage. Three special stages will be run starting from Monaco. The first, at Toudon, relatively close to the French Riviera, presents no particular risks. Among the top drivers in the discipline, only one... Sébastien Ogier The team can boast of having already competed on this stage during a Monte Carlo Rally. However, the two following stages, closer to Gap, hadn't been used in the Monte Carlo Rally for several years. SS2, Esclangon/Seyne-les-Alpes, is expected to be the toughest of the day: the highest speeds will be recorded there, and the road surface was already quite degraded yesterday, according to reports. Crews observed sections of ice and snow: it remains to be seen whether this layer will have melted by Thursday or if it will be added to the forecast snowfall. Because yes, snow could fall on SS2 and SS3, which will be run at night.

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Four more special stages to discover

This Tuesday, January 20th, the competitors are tackling the reconnaissance runs for the rally's biggest day, Friday. Nearly 130 kilometers of timed stages await, with three special stages to be run twice. The Vaumeilh stage, whose first run will take place on Thursday, has already been reconnoitered, leaving only the La Bréole stage (SS10 and SS12) to be explored. While the sections of this stage are familiar, including the start frequently used in versions finishing in Selonnet, and the second part seen notably in the legendary Bayon hairpin bends, the 2026 configuration is unique. Instead of continuing at kilometer 14, the crews will turn right towards Bellaffaire. So, a little more work for all the competitors before the 2026 Monte Carlo Rally can truly begin.