With a modified route around Gap and 17 stages over a competitive distance of 324.44km, the 2024 edition of the Rallye Monte-Carlo promises once again to provide teams and drivers alike with a heavyweight challenge. Added to which, there is a serious risk of wintry conditions during the weekend. The world’s most famous rally kicks off in the dark on Thursday evening with a run over the Col de Fontbelle and the iconic twists and turns of the Bayons – Bréziers test. On Friday, stages will be contested against the backdrop of Champsaur and Valgaudemar, before venturing into the Drôme and Isère departments for Saturday’s leg. The event finishes on Sunday with a return to the famous Col du Corobin, near to Digne-les-Bains, concluding with a single run to the top of the Col du Turini for the Power Stage.
With six and four previous appearances respectively, Yohan Rossel – Arnaud Dunand and Nikolay Gryazin – Aleksandrov Konstantin are all too aware of the need to treat this event with great respect. They have learned over the years how to manage the changing levels of grip and make the right tyres choices at the right time, enabling them to finish first and second in the WRC2 class this time last year. It almost goes without saying, then, that they are aiming to be among the frontrunners in the C3 Rally2 once again this year. Both crews have enjoyed good preparations for the rally, managing to secure a one-two finish (Gryazin ahead of Rossel) at the Rallye Hivernal du Dévoluy, contested in similar conditions.
Didier Clement: Stellantis Motorsport Customer Racing Sporting Manager
“We’re proud to have some first-class crews once again this season in all of the championships in which we are competing, starting with the three entered in the WRC2. Yohan Rossel and Nikolay Gryazin will be the first into action this weekend at an event that looks set to live up to its reputation as a very demanding rally, but they have the talent and the tools to do well. Especially as the C3 Rally2 improved even further throughout 2023 thanks to the work put in by Citroën Racing’s technical team. We intend to pick up where we left off this year, with several upgrades to come, so we can add even more to our performance levels on both tarmac and gravel.”
Yohan Rossel – Citroën Racing WRC2 works driver
“I’m delighted to start the season at Rallye Monte-Carlo, especially as I won here last year. Obviously, there are no guarantees that the outcome will be the same this year but the aim is to try to challenge for the win and start the season by putting some serious points on the board. It’s always a tough rally but I get the feeling that with the return of the stages around Gap, it’s going to be even trickier. It exciting for the fans with some very competitive racing ahead and the first night promises be a great start! I’m certainly feeling confident coming into the event. The C3 is one of the best Rally2 cars; I feel good behind the wheel and in the team. It’s now up to us to make sure we focus on making a good start to the year.”
