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01/21/2008 - 07:00 PM
Monte Carlo, Monaco
This year's Monte Carlo Rally challenge could take on new levels if there is snow as forecast. (LAT photo) » More Photos
After a brief off-season, the FIA World Rally Championship returns to action this weekend in Monte Carlo, less than two months after the curtain fell on the 2007 season in Wales.
In the course of its long history, the Monte Carlo Rally has emerged as the world's most famous rally. Last year's event saw the return of legendary stages like Saint Jean en Royans, Burzet and Saint Bonnet le Froid, and this year's menu features the comeback of yet another classic: the Col du Turini. Reigning World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb is hoping plenty of snow will be part of the event.
"I'm obviously dreaming of a white Monte Carlo, with real wintry conditions," said the Frenchman, who returns with his trusty Citroen Xsara. "The route focuses on three different regions, so the stages will be very varied. Thursday evening's tests are wide, fast and smooth. Those in the Ardèche are more technical, narrower and occasionally bumpy. Last year, the conditions were particularly dry, but it should be fun if we get snow and ice this time around! I am delighted to see that the Col du Turini and some other classic stages in the southeast corner of France are back."
Subaru's Petter Solberg indicated this year's new tire regulations, which have banned the use of anti-deflation devices, will force the drivers to be cautious: "It is important to get into a rhythm straight away and settle into a pace you feel comfortable with," he said. "With no anti-deflation mousse, you can't take risks in the stages as a puncture could finish your rally. There will be a lot of snow, I think, and Monte is always tricky anyway, so it won't be easy, that's for sure. It will be about who can make the most of their tires and adapt to the conditions fastest, but if someone manages something special with them people will follow quickly."
"We will have the choice between three types of tire," explained Citroen Sport's Technical Manager
David Phillips follows Alex Zanardi's wheeltracks in his amazing New York Marathon run in our February issue, on sale now.
"The Monte Carlo Rally has often turned out to be a lottery, where the weather has thrown up some opportunistic and historic victories," noted Subaru works team principal David Richards, "and if we can snatch those chances, who knows? I wouldn't be at all surprised if either of our drivers climbed the podium. It's one of those events where anything can happen."
The stage conditions encountered on the Monte Carlo Rally have always been one of this fixture's main difficulties. The asphalt tests take place to a mountainous backdrop, with numerous high mountain passes to cross, and competitors constantly switch from shade to roads that are more exposed to sunshine. In the course of a single stage, it is consequently by no means rare to come across portions of clear asphalt and other parts that are covered in ice and/or snow, so tires frequently play a decisive role.
The 227 miles of competition starts on Thursday evening with two night stages. There is no gentle start to the year: the opening stage is just shy of being the longest of the event at more than 17 miles.
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