In the picturesque setting of the French Alps, the vibrant town of Gap becomes the center stage for the thrilling 93rd Rallye Monte-Carlo, celebrated as one of the most prestigious events in the FIA World Rally Championship. After two years by the sparkling harborside of Monaco, the rally returns to Gap, where the breathtaking mountain scenery met the excitement of high-speed motorsport.

The Season Launch
Under the twinkling lights of the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo, the FIA World Rally Championship kicked off its 2025 season in a spectacular fashion, marking a momentous occasion that was both celebratory and reflective. The evening began with heartfelt tributes to His Excellency Mr. Didier Guillaume, the beloved Minister of State of Monaco, who had sadly passed away just days prior. The WRC community came together to extend their sympathies and support to his family, encapsulating the spirit of unity within motorsport.
As the night unfolded, a shimmering array of dignitaries and champions graced the stage. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, alongside key figures from Hankook Tire, WRC Promoter, and the Automobile Club de Monaco, highlighted the significance of the new season. Among the luminaries was the reigning world champion, Thierry Neuville, proudly showcasing the coveted number one on his Hyundai i20 N Rally1. With a gleam of determination in his eyes, Neuville reflected on the past and emphasized the blank slate of the new season, stating, “All counters are on zero again… we need to have the same motivation and spirit to fight hard and try and defend our title.”
The event also unveiled an exciting driver lineup, with Adrien Fourmaux donning the Hyundai colors, Sami Pajari stepping up to full-time duties with Toyota Gazoo Racing, and Josh McErlean poised for his debut with M-Sport Ford. McErlean captured the crowd’s attention as he expressed his awe at being part of such a momentous night, calling it a “dream come true.” With a wealth of experience surrounding him, Pajari remained calm as he prepared for the season ahead, revealing his eagerness, “I’m really looking forward to the season.”
Highlighting the night’s excitement was the legendary Sébastien Ogier, who will make appearances in selected rounds for Toyota. The eight-time world champion aimed for an unprecedented tenth victory in Monte Carlo, creating a buzz of anticipation among fans and competitors alike.
As a new chapter dawned for Hankook Tire, whose involvement in the WRC began this season, Senior Director Manfred Sandbichler proclaimed, “For Hankook Tire, today is a milestone because the legend starts today.” His commitment to ensuring a successful venture in the championship resonated with the audience, echoing the promises of thrilling competition that lay ahead.
WRC Promoter Jona Siebel encapsulated the evening’s essence, underscoring Monte Carlo’s unique charm and its emotional connection to the championship. “It’s a unique brand, full of emotions, heritage, and passion – it is a privilege for us to get to start here,” he remarked, capturing the spirit of rallying as not just a sport but a celebration of life and dedication.
The night ended on a high note, filled with hope and excitement for the journey ahead. As the engines revved and teams readied themselves for the upcoming challenges, the WRC community knew that the 2025 season was set to be an unforgettable saga, driven by dreams, determination, and the sheer thrill of rallying.

The Route
The first night unfolds beneath the stars, with three timed stages challenging the drivers on roads illuminated only by their headlights. The longest stage, Faucon-du-Caire/Bréziers, stretches over 21 kilometers and tests the racers’ mettle as they navigate the winding, icy roads. The clock ticks down to 21:06 local time, and with it, a rush of adrenaline surges through the teams as they prepared to push their limits.
The next day, Friday, brings a renewed sense of determination. The drivers set off from Gap into the breathtaking landscapes of Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The agenda features three repeated stages, allowing participants to measure their progress and refine their strategies. Among these challenges was the Saint-Maurice/Aubessagne test, the day’s longest stretch at 18.68 kilometers, where skill and speed became paramount.
As Saturday dawns, the focus shifts to the Drôme department. With two loops comprised of three brand new stages, the competitors faced 131.40 kilometers of fierce competition. The standout moment will be the double-use La Motte-Chalancon/Saint-Nazaire stage, which at 27 kilometers, showcases the drivers’ endurance and tenacity as they navigated its winding turns.
The final day arrives with a sense of urgency and excitement. Sunday’s leg markes the journey back to Monaco, where glory awaits. The competitors embark on their last stages with determination, knowing every second matters. The La Bollène-Vésubie/Peïra-Cava Power Stage climbs the legendary Col de Turini, a dramatic ascent that has the spectators holding their breath.
Stage distance: 343.80 km
Total distance: 1629.37 km
Number of stages: 18
The Conteders
Rally1
Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team
Thierry Neuville defends his world title carrying the coveted #1 on his Hyundai i20 N Rally1, his 12th consecutive season with the Korean manufacturer. The Belgian is joined for a fifth year by Estonia’s Ott Tänak and the team’s French newcomer, Adrien Fourmaux.
M-Sport Ford World Rally Team<
Grégoire Munster will be the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team’s most experienced driver when he embarks on his second full season at Rally1 level. Josh McErlean, a product of the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, steps up from FIA WRC2 to pilot the second Ford Puma Rally1.
Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team
Sébastien Ogier, the winner of the WRC title eight times, has won Rallye Monte-Carlo on a record nine occasions. While Ogier is planning a partial event schedule for the fourth year in 2025, double champion Kalle Rovanperä returns for a full season after he went part time in 2024. Elfyn Evans, Takamoto Katsuta and FIA WRC2 champion Sami Pajari complete the Toyota’s five-strong factory line-up in GR Yaris Rally1 cars.
The others
The popularity of the Rally2-based FIA WRC2 category is highlighted by a 24-car entry headed by Nikolay Gryazin (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) and Yohan Rossel (PH-Sport Citroën C3 Rally2), who finished third and fourth respectively in last year’s standings.
Léo Rossel graduates to FIA WRC2 as the French Tarmac champion and will partner his older brother Yohan at PH Sport, while Charles Munster, younger brother of M-Sport Ford World Rally Team driver Grégoire, is entered in a Hyundai i20 N Rally2.
Former winner François Delecour’s 17-year-old son Eliott Delecour makes his WRC debut on Rallye Monte-Carlo, as does French federation-supported Sarah Rumeau, who is embarking on an FIA WRC2 campaign with Sarrazin Motorsport – Iron Lynx.
After claiming top FIA WRC3 honours on Rallye Monte-Carlo 12 months ago, Jan Černý returns in FIA WRC2 with his opposition including Eric Camilli, Gus Greensmith and Roberto Daprà.
Oliver Solberg is the top seed in the RC2 category on his first appearance in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 but hasn’t nominated the event as one of his scoring rounds.
Diego Domínguez starts the defence of his FIA WRC3 title on Rallye Monte-Carlo with FIA ERC3 champion Filip Kohn stepping up to FIA WRC2. Rachele Somaschini is also stepping up from the FIA European Rally Championship and will use her participation to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis, the genetic disorder she suffers from.
Eamonn Boland is the leading FIA WRC Masters Cup seed, the Irishman competing alongside Michael Joe “MJ” Morrissey, the 2024 FIA WRC Masters Cup champion co-driver.