Spaniards Luis Climent Asensio and Carles Jimenez Valls (BMW 323i No. 103) won a closely contested 28th Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique. Fourth overall with two special stages to go, they conquered the ‘Night of Turini’ to claim a prestigious victory in the Principality. On home turf, Olivier and Lydia Campana (Volkswagen Golf GTI No. 116) finished in a fine third place.

This Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique 2026 will definitely be remembered. Firstly, because of its revolutionary changes, with the introduction of closed roads, higher average speeds and the expansion of the range of vehicles eligible to participate in the rally. But also because of its sporting aspect, with victory being decided in the final moments. And, as the legend continues to be written, the Col de Turini has once again chosen its winner…

Turini turned everything upside down

“The Rally will be decided at Turini, of course!” Jérémy Joffre, Deputy General Commissioner and Route Manager for the Monte-Carlo Historique, was spot on just before the start of the final leg. As they set off from Port Hercule to compete in the last two special stages of the event, Spaniards Luis Climent Asensio and Carles Jimenez Valls (BMW 323i No. 103) were fourth in the overall standings.

At the wheel of their 1981 BMW, they won over the rally’s judge. In a gruelling SR17 stage, finishing at the legendary Col de Turini, the Spaniards won with a total of 436 penalty points. The leaders of the standings, Ilya Kashin and Boris Kostyrko (Volkswagen Scirocco No. 102), finished 10th (978 points) and saw the provisional podium slip away, leaving the lead to the No. 103 crew.

🌟 VAINQUEURS 2026 🌟

🏆 Luis Climent Asensio et Carles Jimenez Valls 🇪🇸
🚘 BMW 323i – 1981

Après une 2e place sur le podium en 2025, l’équipage espagnol s’impose au sommet cette année 🥇

👉 Retrouvez le Classement complet sur le Live Timing : https://t.co/wXxTHSBwOO

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🌟… pic.twitter.com/2jaMggRxgF

— Automobile Club de Monaco (@ACM_Media) February 7, 2026

Finally, in an RS18 shortened due to bad weather affecting the Alpes-Maritimes region on Thursday night and Friday morning, Luis Climent Asensio and Carles Jimenez Valls managed to pull through. They finished second in the special stage, behind their compatriots Jose Luis Masdeu and Paco Fernadez Fores (Porsche 911 SC No. 114), to claim overall victory after a night of suspense.

In the overall standings, they finished ahead of Frenchmen Ludovic De Luca / Sébastien Chol (Peugeot 104 ZS No. 109) and Monegasques Olivier Campana / Lydia Campana (Volkswagen Golf GTI No. 116), who secured their first podium finish in the Rallye Historique.

Second in the 2025 edition in the same BMW 323i, Luis Climent Asensio and Carles Jimenez Valls thus clinched their first victory in the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique. “We are over the sky!” said the 59-year-old driver at the finish. “This year, second place was not an option. The whole team did a fantastic job preparing for this edition.”

A remarkable edition

“As drivers, we felt like we were in the WRC. Because you have closed roads, helmets and a fantastic organisation, certainly similar to that of the world championship. The Rally has taken a step forward with its new changes.” Like Luis Climent Asensio, the majority of the crews involved praised the revolutionary format of the Monte-Carlo Historique. Between the road closures and the redesigned averages, the event has never been so competitive! 204 competitors were officially classified at the finish line, compared to 244 at the start of the concentration course.

Throughout the week, enthusiasts flocked to the starting towns, the Champ de Mars in Valence, and the departments crossed by the race. They also gathered at iconic locations such as La Remise restaurant in Antraigues-sur-Volane, paying homage to the golden age of Monte-Carlo. These moments of celebration and sharing prove that the Historic still has a bright future ahead of it.

Finally, let us not forget to mention the entire organisational team behind this edition. From the public authorities to the volunteers who ensured the safety of the drivers and spectators, thank you to everyone involved. If the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique 2026 went so smoothly, it is largely thanks to them. See you in 2027!