The Monte Carlo Rally remains unique, run on asphalt mountain roads in wintry conditions, the rally never fails to surprise even the most experienced WRC campaigner.
For the first time entries to the rally have been limited to 60, mostly for logistic reasons (there were 91 starters in 2000 and 84 in 1999) though the entry list still contains competitors with experience ranging from full time professionals to once a year amateurs.
Every evening the rally will return to Monte Carlo itself: no night halts in other towns. This will be the first rally under the new standard time schedule, in which reconnaissance is held Monday through to Wednesday morning, Shakedown Wednesday afternoon and the start either Thursday afternoon (as on this event) or Friday morning.
Basic championship rules this year are unchanged. Main variations are that both the Teams' Cup and the new Super 1600 series are run on six specific events for each series but Monte Carlo counts for neither.
There is also a new
FIA regulation that the range of asphalt tyres from which a crew can choose is limited to two basic types, as they are already on gravel events. In case of wintry conditions, as at Monte Carlo,, a further two winter tyres are available for choice as well.
The order for starting the first leg of the Monte Carlo Rally is expected to be the order the drivers finished the 2000 FIA World Rally Championship for Drivers. Marcus Gronholm carrying number one, although not nominated for Peugeot for scoring manufacturers' points, should therefore lead Richard Burns, Carlos Sainz,
Colin McRae and the others.
The Teams.
Peugeot will begin the defence of their two World Championship titles aided by the vastly experienced ex-SEAT star, Didier Auriol. The 42 year-old having been given his best chance of a second World Championship in years, and is almost certain to outpace Gronholm on the Asphalt events.
