A super special stage utilising the Monaco Grand Prix Formula 1 circuit is being planned for the 2026 Monte Carlo Rally, the opening round of next year’s World Rally Championship.
Rally organisers have unveiled the planned route for the WRC’s traditional curtain-raiser, which will take place from 22-25 January, and is set to feature 17 asphalt stages.
Among the stages planned is a return of a test using Monaco’s famous F1 circuit, which according to the organisers is “currently under consideration”, with the stage set to use the lower section of the track.
It is proposed that the stage will act as the final test of Saturday’s leg. Should the proposal receive the final green light, the rally will relocate from its base in Gap to Monte Carlo on Saturday, a day earlier than usual.
The WRC has previously held a stage utilising the grand prix circuit in the 2007 and 2008 editions of the rally. Subaru’s Chris Atkinson and Ford’s Francois Duval clocked identical fastest times when the Monaco circuit last featured as part of a stage in 2008. Atkinson claimed an outright stage victory in 2007 when he defeated Ford’s Marcus Gronholm by 0.5 seconds.
Next year’s Monte Carlo event could have a different feel to previous editions
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Next year’s Monte Carlo season opener will once again begin on Thursday night, with crews set to tackle three stages, two of those set to occur in darkness.
Friday’s leg will feature 129.38 competitive kilometres while Saturday will be shorter with 78km of stages, including a brand-new 30.10km La Breole/Bellaffaire test.
The rally will conclude with two passes of the Col de Braus/La Cabanette (12.48km) and La Bollene-Vesubie/Moulinet (23.33km) stages.
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