It’s the return of the historic Monte-Carlo Rally this weekend in Drôme Ardèche! Last year it was canceled due to covid. Old vehicles and drivers leave Monaco this Saturday January 29, 2022 morning and arrive in Valence on the Champ-de-Mars esplanade this evening. Until Monday, 256 crews will compete on legendary stages of our departments such as that of Burzet Saint-Martial in Ardèche.
Athletes at the wheel of their old Alpine, Triumph and sometimes Austin Mini, will press the pedal on the roads of the South-Drôme this Saturday morning, they will arrive in Eygaliers around 11:20 am and should arrive a little afternoon in Buis-les- Baronies. This Saturday afternoon, they will continue their ascent up the Drôme via Crest and a little before 5 p.m. they will arrive in Valence. The public has an appointment with the drivers at the Champ-de-Mars, the people of Valence will be able to take a tour of the old cars, 48 vehicle brands represented, three days of entertainment on the esplanade. Every evening the athletes leave their car above the Parc Jouvet, the pilots sleep in hotels in the Drôme capital. A boon for hoteliers and restaurateurs who are still suffering from the health crisis.
“This year it changes everything, it’s a pleasure to find this contact with the inhabitants” rejoices Sébastien Shol, emblematic co-driver of the historic Monte-Carlo Rally. Drôme co-driver Sébastien Shol is taking part in this historic Monte-Carlo Rally for the 17th time. He is engaged in the Agea team, with driver Raymond Durand, at the wheel of a 1979 Opel Kadett GTE.
Sunday towards the Ardèche with four specials including that of Burzet / Saint-Martial. Finally on Monday, a few passages in the Vercors, particularly at the level of the Col de Gaudissart. Some difficulties are announced, the roads may be tricky sometimes icy. More than 500 pilots of 33 nationalities will then leave our departments for the Hautes-Alpes. It’s a little less pilots engaged than in previous years.
– Lucile Auconie