On Friday 6 February, the second joint stage of the 28th Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique took competitors from Drôme to Monaco, with three regularity stages. The crews have now returned to the Principality, before competing in the final stage on the heights of the Col de Turini.
In Digne-les-Bains and Saint-André-les-Alpes, the excitement of the Monte-Carlo Historique was palpable during the time checks organised on Friday. As throughout the week, enthusiasts turned out in force to celebrate this popular and festive event.
At the Port of Monaco, crowds of curious onlookers gathered to see the vehicles and meet the crews. This was particularly true for one special guest: TV presenter Jean-Luc Reichmann, a car enthusiast who came to cheer on his friend Bruno Saby for the occasion.
Christophe Allgeyer, Race Director of the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique, said he was “satisfied with this edition, which was full of new features.” Although, of course, “we have to wait for the chequered flag to say for sure that it’s been a success!” The Night of Turini, which closes this 28th edition, is not only feared by the competitors…
Unlike the eventful last few days, this second joint stage was much calmer. The 217 competitors still in the running had the goal of reaching Monaco, and the vast majority of them did so.
In RS14, France’s Anthony Guillemat / Geoffrey Payre (Porsche 911 SC No. 23) and Spain’s Luis Climent Asensio / Carles Jimenez Valls (BMW 323i No. 103) shared the victory with 11 points each.
Then, in RS15 and RS16, the Swiss crew Claudio Enz / Cristina Seeberger (Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3 S No. 101), winners in 2023, performed flawlessly, scoring no points on either of the two special stages. In the overall standings, Russians Ilya Kashin and Boris Kostyrko (Volkswagen Scirocco No. 102) are still in the lead, with two regularity stages to go before the end of the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique 2026.
The final leg, contested during the night of Friday 6 to Saturday 7 February, will start in Monaco at 8:35 pm. The organisers had to change the route at the last minute due to bad weather the day before, which made it impossible for the rally to follow the original route.
Nevertheless, this final night will still feature two iconic stages: La Bollène-Vésubie / Col de Turini (RS17) and La Cabanette / Col de Braus (RS18). And there will be snow! These stages will determine the overall winners of what is already a historic edition. The finish is scheduled for Port Hercule in Monaco from 12:25 am.