The Monte Carlo Rally, also known as Rallye Monte-Carlo, is one of the most iconic and prestigious events in the world of motorsport. As the oldest rally in the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, it has been a test of skill, endurance, and bravery since its inception in 1911. The 2025 edition, the 93rd running of the event, promises to be another thrilling spectacle as the world’s best rally drivers tackle the challenging stages in the French Alps and the Principality of Monaco.
The 2025 Monte Carlo Rally is set to take place from January 23-26, with the rally headquarters based in Gap, France. The event will feature a diverse range of stages, from the twisting mountain roads of the French Alps to the iconic streets of Monaco. The unpredictable weather conditions, with the possibility of snow and ice, will add to the challenge, testing the drivers’ ability to adapt and make crucial decisions.
The 2025 Monte Carlo Rally Route: Stage by Stage
Concentration Run
The rally begins with the traditional Concentration Run, where competitors travel from various starting points across Europe to converge in Monaco. This pre-event journey serves as a warm-up for the crews and a chance for fans to see the cars in action before the official start.
Ceremonial Start
The ceremonial start of the 2025 Monte Carlo Rally will take place on the evening of January 22 in Monaco’s Casino Square. The glamorous location, surrounded by the iconic Monte Carlo Casino and luxury hotels, provides a fitting backdrop for the start of this prestigious event. Competitors will cross the starting ramp in reverse order of their starting numbers, with the highest-seeded drivers setting off last.
Stage 1: La Bollène-Vésubie / Col de Turini I (ES/LE: 15.83 / 26.22 km)
The first competitive stage of the rally will take the crews from La Bollène-Vésubie to the famous Col de Turini. This stage is known for its tight hairpin bends and changeable weather conditions, making it a challenging opener for the drivers. The stage ends with a high-speed descent towards the town of Sospel.
Stage 2: Roure / Beuil (ES/LE: 14.80 / 21.52 km)
Stage 2 starts in the village of Roure and climbs towards the Col de Beuil, a mountain pass that sits at an altitude of 1,546 meters. The stage features a mix of fast, flowing sections and technical hairpins, demanding precise car control from the drivers.
Stage 3: Puget-Théniers / Saint-Antonin (ES/LE: 22.01 / 55.03 km)
The longest stage of the rally, Stage 3 takes the crews from Puget-Théniers to Saint-Antonin, covering a distance of 22.01 competitive kilometers and 55.03 kilometers of liaison. The stage winds its way through the Alpes-Maritimes department, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Stage 4: Ubraye / Entrevaux (ES/LE: 15.02 / 27.31 km)
Stage 4 begins in the village of Ubraye and descends towards the town of Entrevaux. The stage is characterized by narrow, twisting roads that require precise driving and careful tire management.
Stage 5: Saint-Geniez / Thoard (ES/LE: 24.11 / 38.60 km)
Starting in Saint-Geniez, Stage 5 takes the crews through the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, covering a competitive distance of 24.11 kilometers. The stage features a mix of fast, open sections and technical, twisty roads, testing the drivers’ versatility.
Stage 6: Digne-les-Bains / Châteauredon (ES/LE: 21.76 / 28.07 km)
Stage 6 starts in the town of Digne-les-Bains and heads towards Châteauredon. The stage is known for its long straights and fast, sweeping corners, allowing the drivers to showcase their speed and commitment.
Stage 7: Val-de-Chalvagne / Entrevaux II (ES/LE: 17.53 / 31.12 km)
The second pass through the Entrevaux stage, Stage 7 will see the crews tackle the narrow, twisting roads in the opposite direction. The change in direction adds a new challenge, as the drivers must adapt their pace notes and driving style accordingly.
Stage 8: Saint-Laurent-du-Cros / Gap (ES/LE: 18.72 / 51.64 km)
Stage 8 takes the crews from Saint-Laurent-du-Cros to the rally headquarters in Gap. The stage covers a competitive distance of 18.72 kilometers and features a mix of fast, flowing sections and technical, twisty roads.
Stage 9: La Motte-Chalancon / Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert (ES/LE: 25.74 / 48.21 km)
The first stage of the final day, Stage 9 starts in La Motte-Chalancon and heads towards Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert. The stage is known for its challenging, narrow roads and the iconic “Col de la Machine” section, which often attracts large crowds of spectators.
Stage 10: Montauban-sur-l’Ouvèze / Laborel (ES/LE: 13.23 / 24.90 km)
Stage 10 takes the crews from Montauban-sur-l’Ouvèze to Laborel, covering a competitive distance of 13.23 kilometers. The stage features a mix of fast, open sections and technical, twisty roads, demanding precise car control from the drivers.
Stage 11: La Bollène-Vésubie / Col de Turini II (SS/LE: 15.83 / 64.92 km)
The final stage of the rally, Stage 11, is a second pass through the iconic La Bollène-Vésubie / Col de Turini stage. This stage will serve as the Power Stage, offering bonus points for the fastest crews. The stage ends with a high-speed descent towards Monaco, where the winners will be crowned on the podium in the Principality.
Service Parks and Regroupings
Throughout the rally, the crews will have the opportunity to service and repair their cars at designated service parks. The main service park will be located in Gap, with additional service stops in Monaco and other locations along the route. Regroupings, where cars are held in a controlled area to allow crews to rest and regroup, will also take place at various points during the event.
2025 Monte Carlo Rally Stage Map
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Monte Carlo Rally promises to be an exciting and challenging event, testing the skills and endurance of the world’s best rally drivers. With a diverse range of stages, from the twisting mountain roads of the French Alps to the iconic streets of Monaco, the rally will offer a true test of driver and machine.
The unpredictable weather conditions, with the possibility of snow, ice, and dry asphalt, will add to the challenge, making tire choice and adaptability crucial factors in success. The crews will need to be at the top of their game, both physically and mentally, to overcome the demands of this grueling event.
As the first round of the 2025 World Rally Championship, the Monte Carlo Rally will set the tone for the rest of the season. The event will showcase the latest rally technology and the incredible skill of the drivers, as they push themselves and their cars to the limit in pursuit of victory.
For fans of motorsport, the Monte Carlo Rally is a must-watch event, offering a unique blend of glamour, history, and thrilling competition. With its iconic stages, challenging conditions, and the world’s best drivers in action, the 2025 edition promises to be another classic in the long and storied history of this legendary rally.
