The 250 crews still in the run for the 24th Monte Carlo Historic Rally took the start of the RS1, in the iconic Col de Bleine. The first competitor started at 7.50 a.m.  The inaugural 15.39km stage took place in a spring sunshine but with temperatures of almost -10 degrees, which did not dampen the spirits of the passionate spectators who had come in large numbers to enjoy the royal line-up for this edition. The first day of racing promises to be busy with 4 RS on the menu, bringing the competitors to Valencia from 4:50 pm.