The 94th Rallye Monte-Carlo officially kicked off this Thursday at Port Hercule in Monaco, sending the 66 entered crews into an event that promises to be more demanding than ever. They immediately set off on the road section leading to today’s first three stages, scheduled between the Alpes-Maritimes and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
“It’s going to be very difficult”. The tone for this 94th Rallye Monte-Carlo was set by Sébastien Ogier, despite being a Monte-Carlo specialist of the event with 10 victories. On the start ramp, all the drivers mentioned the very tricky weather conditions they are about to face. “Conditions look really complicated for tonight. But it should be beautiful with the spectators in the dark and the snow”, explained Adrien Fourmaux.
Leaving at two-minute intervals, every Rally1 crew set off from Port Hercule in Monaco in front of a large crowd of spectators who turned out despite a few drops of rain. Tension was at its peak before heading out to the opening stages.
Before the Official Start of the first car, the Rally1 drivers soaked up the energy from the many fans gathered at the Fan Zone on Port Hercule. Featuring school visits, an autograph session, and official photos, spectators had the chance to get up close to their favorite drivers and cars just hours before the start.
Now it’s time for the competition, kicking off with a particularly difficult and demanding first stage between Toudon and Saint-Antonin (SS1 – 21.90km). Competitors will then head to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to tackle two night stages: Esclangon / Seyne-les-Alpes (SS2 – 23.80km) and Vaumeilh / Claret (SS3 – 15.06km). Crews will need to keep a close eye on weather conditions, particularly at the summit of the Col du Fanget (featured in SS2), which could be icy or even snowy…
Découvrez le programme de cette 1ère journée du 𝟵𝟰𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲-𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗼 🚗
👉 Serez-vous au bord des spéciales aujourd’hui ? 🤩
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Discover the programme for the first day of the 𝟵𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲-𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗼 🚗
👉 Will you be out on the… pic.twitter.com/6kkUIgyFEG
— Automobile Club de Monaco (@ACM_Media) January 22, 2026