The 78e Rallye Monte-Carlo, the oldest race of its kind, will took place from Tuesday, January 19th to Saturday, January 23rd. This trial, a top quality sports event, will be the opening round of the 2009 Intercontinental Rally Challenge, an international series launched by Eurosport Events last year and authorised by the FIA.
It all began in 1911, at the height of the rivalry between two famous seaside towns : Nice and Monte-Carlo. The former organized its "carnaval" which attracted a rich clientele to its casinos and so Monaco decided to organize an automobile rally on the same lines as the celebrrated Italian Cycle Rally ("convegni ciclisti"), with departure points in different europeans towns, converging on Monaco.
This event was to take place in January, as a way of showing that the climate of the Principality at this time of year was exceptionally mild. Today, two men are considered to be the founders of this rally : Gabriel Vialon and Antony Noghes. The Sociéte des Bains de Mer (SBM) financed the event, which attracted only 23 participants in its first year. The following year, this figure had quadrupled: The Monte-Carlo Rally was launched !
Six months of preparation
In addition to the historical aspect, there is a hive of activity behind the scenes for as many as six months before the starting pistol. Efficient organisation is indispensable in order to ensure perfect coordination of the men and equipment needed: 1 000 policemen, 23 emergency doctors, 300 firemen, 142 marshals, 350 safety marshals (especially for the spectators. It will be responsible for keeping the public informed and for ushering them to areas specially provided for them), 60 emergency vehicles and 25 tow trucks. An incomplete list, but which gives an idea of the magnitude of the operation.
Between the first winner in 1911, driver Rougier, and the last in 2009, Sébastien Ogier, 77 recurrences of the Monte-Carlo Rally... 77 heart stopping moments and thousands of thrills for a top level sporting event.
