Monte Carlo Rally 2025 in Monaco

The Monte-Carlo Rally, or Rallye Monte-Carlo, was first organized over 100 years ago and has since become a major event for car enthusiasts from around the world. Held annually by the Automobile Club de Monaco, which also organizes the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and the Historic Rally of Monte-Carlo, this rally is one of the most prestigious in the motorsport world. The event takes place along the scenic French Riviera in Monaco and southeast France. In addition to the traditional rally, the Monte Carlo Historic Rally and the Monte Carlo E-Rally are also key highlights of the club.

Route

The Monte-Carlo Rally is renowned for its iconic special stage, considered one of the most famous in the world. The stage runs from La Bollène-Vésubie to Sospel, or vice versa, traversing a steep and narrow mountain road with numerous hairpin turns. This challenging 31 km route includes the Col de Turini, a mountain pass that often features ice and snow during the rally season. The extreme weather conditions add to the difficulty, with participants braving the harsh elements to compete for victory.

2025 Program

The 93rd Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo kicks off with the Shakedown on Wednesday, January 22, where competitors can test their skills on the 3.28 km route in Gap. The official start of the rally takes place on Thursday, January 23, at 2:30 pm from Casino Square in Monaco, followed by three challenging special stages in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Hautes-Alpes regions.

The competition intensifies on Friday with a loop of three stages, repeated twice, and continues into Saturday with the most demanding day of the rally, featuring six special stages across the Drôme department. The rally concludes on Sunday, January 26, with three final stages, including the Power Stage at La Bollène-Vésubie / Peïra-Cava, before the prize-giving ceremony in Monaco at 4:15 pm.

History of Monte-Carlo Rally

The Rallye Monte-Carlo was first established in 1911 by Prince Albert I with the goal of showcasing advancements and innovations in automobile technology while also promoting Monaco as a Mediterranean tourist destination. Prior to a format change in 1997, the event was a “concentration rally,” where participants began from different locations across Europe and made their way to Monaco before continuing with a series of special stages.