As part of the 2012 World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, the Automobile Club de Monaco has drawn up a programme and itinerary in keeping with tradition and the expectations of all keen road-racing fans. The ACM General Commissioner’s office has worked out a concept which remains faithful to the reputation of the winter road rally, so that competitors, manufacturers and spectators can rediscover the elements that forged the legend of the Monte Carlo Rally, allowing amateurs to compete with professionals.
Although the main thrust of the itinerary has been decided upon, the exact route will only be confirmed officially after approval by French administrative authorities.
For now, Shakedown will be on Tuesday 17 January on the roads of Ardeche near Valence, the Drome capital, in order to avoid moving the Parc d’Assistance. The latter will be at the Palais des Expositions in Valence, as usual. The Starting Ceremony is scheduled to take place at the end of this practice session, in the Champ de Mars.
First leg on the roads of southern Ardeche, Wednesday 18 January:
Le Mouilinon – Antraigues, followed by Burzet – St Martial, are planned for Day one and will be driven twice by competitors, with a stop at the Valence Parc d’Assistance at the halfway stage.
Six stages on Day Two, Thursday 19 January:
Labatie d’Andaure – Lalouvesc. St Bonnet le Froid/St Julien Mohesabate/St Bonnet le Froid, Lamastre/Gilhoc, Alboussiere will complete the programme for the northern part of the departments of Ardeche and Haute Loire, with a stop at the Valence Parc d’Assistance.
Drome roads in programme for Friday 20 January:
St Jean en Royans – Font d’Urle, Cimetiere de Vassieux (Vassieux Cemetry) – Col de Gaudissart are the route planned for the morning, followed in the afternoon by a return to Monaca via Montauban sur Ouveze – Eygalayes, the last Drome stage. On arrival in Monaco in the evening, cars will be placed in Parc Ferme.
Night of Saturday 21 January on the country roads behind Nice:
Competitors will Monaco late Saturday afternoon in the final Monaco/Monaco lopp, arriving in Moulinet for the start of SS14.
Moulinet – Col du Turini – La Bollene-Vesubie followed immediately by the traditional Lantosque – Luceram, driven twice, with a stop at the Parc d’Assistance in the Port of Monaco.
Power Stage grand finale on Sunday 22 January:
To continue the excitement to the very end, a power stage of approximately 5km will be held between Sainte Agnes and Col de la Madone, starting at 10am. This will be last contest of the 80th Monte Carlo Automobile Rally.
The Prize-Giving Ceremony is scheduled to take place in the afternoon, at Place du Palais.
With a total of 17 stages, including 433km times and 1246km connecting roads, this Monte Carlo Rally is certain to uphold the long tradition of a highly challenging course, requiring great endurance on the part of drivers and vehicles alike.
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