The defining characteristic of the “Monte” is the tyre lottery. Unlike any other event, the key to victory here is often the ability to “drive slowly as fast as possible” on the wrong tires. Crews must frequently choose a compromise—studded tires for icy peaks followed by slicks for dry valley descents—meaning drivers spend much of the weekend managing levels of grip that change corner by corner.

The 2026 itinerary brings a fresh twist to the tradition. While the service park remains based in Gap to access the most reliable winter conditions, the Saturday evening itinerary includes a high-octane blast through the streets of Monaco, partially utilising the Formula 1 circuit layout. The rally concludes on Sunday with the legendary Col de Turini, serving as the Wolf Power Stage, where the “Night of the Long Knives” atmosphere remains even in the midday sun.

It is a rally where technical expertise, ice-note crews, and pure bravery coalesce to crown the season’s first winner.