Rally Monte Carlo: Start of a new era
NEW HYBRID GENERATION The top cars of the new hybrid generation are more powerful, faster, more robust and cleaner than ever. A new world champion is being sought. Two Swiss teams are also competing at the Rally Monte Carlo.
The "Monte" heralds a new era in rallying. The teaser shows the three hybrid models in action.
The three manufacturers Ford, Hyundai and Toyota have installed the same hybrid unit in their new Rally1 cars. The German company Compact Dynamics already supplies such components for Formula 1, WEC and Formula E.
More than 500 hp system performance
The electric motor operates behind the transmission on the drive shaft. The 3.9 kWh battery is coupled with an MGU motor that delivers up to 100 kW of power (134 hp) and 180 Nm of torque during acceleration. The maximum system output for the electrically assisted 1600cc turbo combustion engines is now over 500 hp.
This is accompanied by more robust chassis and safety cells. Hybrid mode, use of clean energy for the service park and use of 100 % clean fuel (eFuel) also form a sustainable approach with which the FIA is ushering in the new era of the World Rally Championship.
Duel of the two multichampions
The 75-team entry list for the Rally Monte Carlo is headed by the Toyota Yaris Rally 1 #1 of eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier. The Frenchman only drives sporadically after this, so will not be defending the title. His teammates are runner-up Elfyn Evans (GB), Kalle Rovanpera (FIN) and the Japanese Takamoto Katsuta.
For Hyundai, Thierry Neuville (B), Estonian Ott Tänak and Oliver Solberg (S) will compete with the new i20 N Rally1. The new Ford Puma Hybrid Rally 1 cars from M-Sport will be entrusted to Irishman Craig Breen, Gus Greensmith (GB), Adrien Fourmaux (F) and, for the time being, only at the "Monte" to nine-time world champion Sébastien Loeb. Loeb traveled directly to the final WRC test in the Maritime Alps after finishing second in the Dakar Rally. The duel between Ogier and Loeb therefore adds an extra dimension to the season opener.
With two Swiss
Two Swiss hope for success in their classes. Old master Olivier Burri will be competing in the Principality for the 24th time with co Andersson Levratti, as in 2019 and 2020 with a VW Polo GTI Rally2. The Bernjurassier is aiming for victory in the WRC2 Master Cup, a classification for over-50s.
Sacha Althaus and Lisiane Zbinden will be competing in their Renault Clio Rally4, just like in the Swiss Rally Championship. They are also hoping for a podium in their class.
Live on Servus TV
The event will start on Thursday evening, January 20, in Monaco, followed by two night stages. The finish after a total of 17 special stages is on Sunday, January 23, shortly after midday.
The Austrian TV channel Servus-TV broadcasts several SP live. Which one you can find out under this Link. On the YouTube channel of the WRC, there are also running summaries of the individual stages.
