Created in 1911, the Rallye Monte Carlo is one of the oldest rallies in the world, and one of the many events in the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). Its legendary and technically demanding route has earned it a fine reputation in the world of motorsport. This year, the 92nd edition takes place from January 22 to 28, 2024, and represents the inaugural round of this world-renowned motor racing competition.
The Organizing Committee recently shared the official list of the 70 participants in this 2024 edition who will have the chance to compete in this high-flying competition. More than a hundred entries have been registered by the organizers. Eric Barrabino, General Commissioner of the Automobile Club de Monaco and Director of the Rallye Monte Carlo, talks about the selection process, and reports that numerous criteria were taken into account to decide between the entrants. In the final selection, some twenty regional competitors were chosen to take on drivers of international renown. In addition to the enthusiasm for entries, there was a clear desire to find a larger space in the future to accommodate the service park, and thus more participants, both professional and amateur.
Spread over five French departments, from Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Hautes-Alpes to Drôme and Isère, the Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo will demand a considerable degree of professionalism from its participants. In all, the 17 special stages will involve over 14 mountain passes. If the scenery is objectively breathtaking, so is the level of difficulty. Indeed, the winding roads of the French Alps are all the more difficult in the heart of winter, when the event is held, making it even more complex than expected. The weather conditions of the first month of the year, with snow and icy conditions, make these mountain roads slippery and therefore much more difficult to navigate. However, the ACM (Automobile Club de Monaco) organizing committee was keen to challenge this year's event with a route that they hoped would be snowier than previous rallies.
The first two days will be devoted to route reconnaissance, so that participating drivers can get to know the course, and will end with the shakedown session, which allows drivers to get to grips with real-life driving conditions on a route along the Route de la Garde in Gap.
January 24 marks the start of the long-awaited 92nd Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo, which officially gets underway on Thursday, January 25 at precisely 4:52pm. As has become tradition, the competitors will start their sporting epic from Monaco's legendary Casino Square. It's an all-night first stage for the drivers! The following day, spectators will be treated to a loop of three special stages, none other than Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes / La Bâtie-Neuve; Champcella / Saint-Clément-sur-Durance and La Bréole / Selonnet. This second day will be one for intensity! The penultimate day will take place to the west of Gap, and the three races will surprise both participants and spectators with an impressive total of 120.40 timed kilometers.
Before the rally comes to an end on Sunday 28th in Monaco itself, drivers will set off east of Gap, covering La Bréole / Selonnet, then Digne-les-Bains / Chaudon-Norante and finally La Bollène-Vésubie / Col de Turini. The suspense will finally come to an end at around 4.15pm on Sunday, when the prize-giving ceremony will decide between the most deserving drivers of this breathtaking 92nd edition of the Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo.
Our properties in Monte-Carlo and Monaco-Ville
Don't miss this legendary event, with its rich history and the participation of famous drivers such as Sébastien Loeb, Walter Röhrl and Tommi Mäkinen. The 2024 edition will also have the honor of featuring 9-time Monte-Carlo winner Sébastien Ogier with Toyota, as well as famous Hyundai drivers such as Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanäk.
It's the event of the year for rally enthusiasts, and the perfect opportunity to stay in beautiful Monaco. The Magrey & Sons team will be delighted to help you prepare for a sporty and enjoyable stay.
