Monte-Carlo 2024: Nicolas Ciamin: “There is always something happening at Monte-Carlo”

Is there a little more pressure because it's Monte Carlo?

For me, it's almost the same as being at the start of another event. I say “almost”, because it remains the Monte-Carlo which is undoubtedly one of the most difficult rallies to compete in.

This is your 5^e participation. What did you think of the proposed program?

First of all, I find that the division between the course and the reconnaissance is not great. Indeed, with the starting ceremony in Monaco, this forces us to come down from Gap just to cross the podium and then we have to return to Gap. There are ESs that we only take once (4, Editor's note) and yet we have to work on them as much as the others. This takes a lot of time for a single run. Finally, we are going to leave super early on Sunday morning (SS15 at 7:04 a.m., Editor’s note). As for the special stages around Gap, I find it very beautiful with lots of choice. It's nice to be back in this area where the roads are superb. I like that there are backwards or new lap times and I also like the fact that we will be riding at night quite a bit. It's rare in the world.

Running in the dark is not a problem for you?

I like it...even if it's not always easy to see the patches of ice (laughing). I repeat, the sporting side of the days to come is interesting, but the format and timing leave me doubtful.

Is there a lot of new stuff for you?

I have never ridden Chichilianne (SS10/13). There is also the Corobin (SS16) where I passed 15 years ago when I was doing motocross. It's a famous spot in Monte Carlo and it looks beautiful. We managed to find quite a few things on video which allowed us to see that there are many stages that are quite wide and quite smooth. I would have liked something a little narrower and more brittle, even if we are on asphalt.

Is this route suitable for Hyundai i20 Rally2 that you will find again after having used it in the 2022 French championship?

I think it has a level of performance that is correct. During the two days of tests that I was able to carry out, I noticed that it had not evolved since my last experience. With the gasoline that we are obliged to use in WRC, the engine is less powerful. That makes a big difference. What has changed is that the 2C team knows it well now, having spent two seasons with it.

Does this give you confidence for the race?

We have carried out an interesting preparation, the course has quite a few new things for everyone which means that I will not have any disadvantages. Even if the weather forecast is rather mild, it is still Monte-Carlo and a lot can still happen. Our goal is to try to play up front. We did it in Central Europe, let's see what we can do here.