History and novelties condensed!

For this 83^rd edition of Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo, the Organising Committee of Automobile Club de Monaco has prepared an atypical route – with over 75% modified compared to last year’s program – which already announces one of the most difficult of its history. The itinerary will be very surprising but is very likely to be appreciated by the competitors.

After three days of recce, from Monday 19^th to Wednesday 21st January, the race will begin on the Wednesday afternoon with the traditional Shakedown (3,52 km) very representative of the totality of the rally. This session will take place, as last year, in Chateauvieux, 6 km south of Gap.

The day after, Thursday 22^nd January, the competitors will join the Principality of Monaco where, later in the afternoon will occur, Place du Casino in Monte-Carlo, the official start of this first round of the 2015 FIA World Rally Championship. Last year, the departure in Place du Casino was only “ceremonial”, however, this year it will be a real start as the contestants will have to go through the two first timed stages in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence by night : Entrevaux – Rouaine (21,31 km) and Norante – Digne-les-Bains (19,68 km) on the road which will lead them to the host city of Gap where, as last year, will take place the Service Park near to the nautical’s stadium.

Another novelty : on the second day – Friday 23^rd January – a brand new loop will take place north of Gap between the departments of Hautes-Alpes and Isère. This loop is made up of three consecutive timed stages very close geographically. Therefore La Salle en Beaumont – Corps (15,84 km), Aspres les Corps – Chauffayer (25,81 km) and Les Costes – Saint Julien en Champsaur (25,40 km) will be crucial and appreciated by everyone.

The third day, Saturday 24^th January, will host more classical stages  with, among others, Prunières – Embrun (19,93 km) to run twice, Lardier and Valença – Faye (51,66 km) and Sisteron – Thoard (36,85 km) before going back to the Principality of Monaco by the end of the afternoon.

The ultimate day of race, Sunday 25^th January , will take, quite early in the morning, the competitors in Alpes Maritimes Hinterland. On the menu : Le Col Saint-Jean – Saint-Laurent (10,16 km), La Bollène Vésubie – Sospel (31,66 km) as known as Col de Turini’s extended version and again Le Col Saint-Jean – Saint-Laurent (10,16 km) as the Power Stage to conclude this 83^rd Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo. The traditional Price Giving Ceremony will start at 3 p.m. on place of the Palais Princier de Monaco.