Info
Rallye Monte-Carlo
Start Date: 21.01.2016
End Date: 24.01.2016
Timezone: UTC 1
Category: WRC3
WRC2
WRC
Stages: 16 (374,89km)
Distance: 1474,34 km
Website: Automobile Club de Monaco
Route
After Thursday evening’s Monte-Carlo start outside the Casino, two stages in darkness near Digne-les-Bains punctuate the run north to Gap.
Three stages in the Hautes Alpes and Isère regions, north of Gap, form Friday’s action.
Competitors return to Monaco on Saturday via two passes of the marathon 51.55km Lardier et Valença – Faye and the classic Sisteron – Thoard.
Sunday’s final leg, as is traditional, runs in the Alpes Maritimes mountains above Monaco and features the legendary Col de Turini.
Challenge
Essentially an asphalt rally but unpredictable mountain weather brings varied conditions.
Competitors must expect snow, ice and dry asphalt - often encountering all in the same stage.
They must balance the need for grip in winter weather with that required for dry asphalt.
Shrewd tyre selection providing the best compromise for frequently changing conditions is key.
Experience and the ability to ‘read’ conditions is vital.
Car spec
Asphalt suspension.
Strange tyre selections which can include studded tyres on opposite corners of the car matched with dry weather slick rubber.
Two spare tyres is normal.
Additional headlight pods for thursday´s night stages.
History
Rallye Monte-Carlo is the WRC’s jewel in the crown and the oldest in the calendar.
First run in 1911, it was designed to promote Monte-Carlo as a tourist destination, with competitors starting from different European cities before gathering in Monaco.
The 1966 rally became famed for its controversial outcome when giant-killing Mini Coopers claimed the top three places before being disqualified for alleged infringements of headlight regulations.
Col de Turini. One of the sport’s iconic locations, where enormous crowds will gather to watch competitors cross the mountain summit in the La Bollene Vesubie – Peira Cava test in the final leg. An incredible atmosphere and a ‘must-do’ for visitors.
Sunday’s finish outside the Palace in Monaco, with monarch Prince Albert presenting the prizes.
I think this is the same corner, and maybe the same tree, that stopped Kubica. Paddon ended up with a deranged suspension (left, rear) and had to retire. This is prior to Kubica's off (I think) and also why I figure Kubica's car's presence may have saved Evans' day.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6nloDaSORI"]CRASH PADDON RALLYE MONTE CARLO 2016 - YouTube[/ame]
I did not know they dropped out. Hope they develop a rally car that can kick the VW Polo in the jewels. I don't hate VW I just would like to see a good fight up front.
I wonder if VW will cut back on their motorsport programs due to burning money in their diesel engines.
Citroen has cut back severely on their WTCC program. Seb Loeb is out of a ride just when he was coming on strong.
![[IMG]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CZF41OVWwAAbxu7.jpg:large)
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