And, as always, Monte delivers highly variable and challenging conditions.
On social media, rally teams and fans alike have shared photos that paint a clear picture of the harsh reality. In some images, civilian cars have ended up in ditches, underscoring how slippery the roads are.
From the photos, Monte promises snow, ice, dry asphalt, and everything in between. The weather forecast also suggests rain could make an appearance.
These ever-changing conditions greatly increase the difficulty level of the rally. Car setups and tyre choices will be especially challenging for the teams.
Adding to the complexity is the fact that this is the first time teams are competing in Monte with the new Hankook tyres. While they’ve had a taste of the tyres during testing, the competitive environment is a completely different story.
The winner of the Rally Monte Carlo will, as always, be the driver who best manages these conditions. Tyre selections and car setups will have to be spot on to claim the top step of the podium on Sunday.
The Monte Carlo Rally begins on Thursday evening (CET) and concludes on Sunday.