As the engines warm up for the 93rd Rally Monte-Carlo, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in motorsport history. From January 23 to 26, 2025, Monaco and the surrounding region of Gap will once again host the opening round of the World Rally Championship (WRC), drawing in the best drivers, the fastest cars, and fans from around the globe. This year, the rally promises an exhilarating mix of seasoned champions, rising stars, and a fiercely competitive lineup.
The Elite Showdown: Rally1’s Premier Class
All eyes are on the Rally1 category, with 10 top-tier cars from three manufacturers ready to battle it out. Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford bring their finest, but it’s Toyota that takes pole position with five GR Yaris entries, signaling their intent to dominate the rally landscape. Among them is the legendary Sébastien Ogier, a master of Monte-Carlo’s winding roads, aiming for an unprecedented 10th victory. At 41, Ogier remains a formidable force, even on a partial racing schedule.
Joining him on Toyota’s team are the reigning WRC champions Kalle Rovanperä and his co-driver Jonne Halttunen, aiming to add a Monte-Carlo win to their impressive track record. After back-to-back world titles in 2022 and 2023, Rovanperä seeks to break the “flying Finn” drought at Monte-Carlo, where no Finnish driver has won since 2010.
Hyundai enters with three i20s, headlined by the reigning Monte-Carlo champions Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe, who’ll be proudly sporting the coveted No. 1. Neuville hopes to secure his third Monte-Carlo crown after victories in 2020 and 2024. The team also includes former WRC champion Ott Tänak and the French driver Adrien Fourmaux, making his debut in Hyundai’s lineup after a solid 2024 season with Ford.
Meanwhile, M-Sport Ford fields just two entries: Grégoire Munster and Irish newcomer Joshua McErlean, both driving the nimble Ford Puma. Despite the smaller roster, these underdogs could still make their mark.
Rising Stars and the Battle in WRC2
Beyond Rally1, the WRC2 category offers its own drama, with 39 Rally2 cars taking to the roads. Among the favorites are Oliver Solberg in a Toyota, Nikolay Gryazin in a Skoda, and France’s Yohan Rossel in a Citroën. Nice-born driver Eric Camilli adds local flair to the mix, piloting a Hyundai with updated technology. These competitors will navigate 18 special stages across four days, showcasing the incredible depth of talent in this year’s rally.
A Route That Demands Respect
Monte-Carlo’s treacherous mix of icy mountain roads, unpredictable weather, and hairpin turns has long made it the crown jewel of the WRC. The rally kicks off at the iconic Place du Casino in Monaco on January 23 at 2:30 p.m. before heading into the rugged terrain around Gap. The course is a true test of skill, endurance, and strategy, demanding nothing less than perfection from drivers and their machines.
What’s at Stake?
For seasoned veterans like Ogier and Neuville, the 93rd Rallye Monte-Carlo represents a chance to etch their names deeper into the annals of motorsport history. For newcomers like Sami Pajari and Joshua McErlean, it’s a proving ground—a chance to show they belong among the sport’s elite.
As the countdown continues, anticipation builds for what promises to be a gripping start to the 2025 WRC season. Whether it’s the roar of the engines, the breathtaking alpine scenery, or the electric atmosphere of Monaco itself, the Rallye Monte-Carlo remains a spectacle like no other. Buckle up, because this year’s event is ready to deliver high-octane thrills and unforgettable moments.
