The organisers of the Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo, the opening round of the 2009 Intercontinental Rally Challenge, confirmed the full route for next year's event late last week.
The 77th edition, which will run from Tuesday January 20 to Saturday January 24, has been heavily revised with a 'new format' and 'a very different itinerary' to ensure it provides a 'fresh challenge' to all the competitors.
Like in 2007 and 2008 it will include night stages, although these will now take place at the end of the event rather than at the start, with four tests held in the dark including two runs over the Col de Turini.
100 competitors will be allowed to enter the round - although only the top 60 cars will be permitted to start the final four tests.
The prize giving ceremony will take place on Saturday January 24 at Place du Palais Princier in Monaco.
The complete provisional timetable for the 77th Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo is as follows:
Tuesday 20 January:
Administrative checks and Scrutineering.
Wednesday 21 January:
Leg one: Monaco / Valence.
Start from Monaco at 07:40 for 3 special stages
SS1: Roquesteron – junction D10/D5
SS2: La Motte Chalancon – St Nazaire le désert
SS3: St Jean en Royans – Col de Gaudissart
Arrival at Valence from 17:30 – Palais des Expositions
Thursday 22 January:
