The 7th E-Rallye Monte Carlo set off from Monaco yesterday and will crisscross the roads of the region for four more days, with a record number of entrants this year. 60 cars at the start, 36 models and representing 19 manufacturers. Proof that the era of electric competition in rallying is taken more and more seriously by the automobile industry.
All the major players in the 100% electric world are present. Namely: Audi, BMW, BYD, DS, Fisker, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, MG, Nissan, Peugeot, Polestar, Porsche, Renault, Skoda, Tesla, Toyota Volkswagen.
As early as 1995, the Automobile Club of Monaco launched an event with electric vehicles, then called Rallye Monte Carlo Zenn and renamed for seven editions E-Rallye Monte Carlo. An event that counts for the 2023 FIA ecoRally Cup.
Note that the six winning crews of the first six editions are all at the start this year.
The 2023 edition will this year spill over onto Italian roads and offers a route of nearly 1,000 km. Each stage will leave and return to Monaco where, for obvious reasons of convenience, competitors will have no problem recharging their cars, the Principality being equipped with 334 terminals.
The first regularity stage contested on Wednesday with three specials on the program, saw the Belgians Eric Cunin and Alexandre Peeters at the wheel of a VW ID3 take the lead of the Rally from the first special, ahead of a Nissan Ariya (Aymard/Marcal ) and another VW ID3 (Heyne/Piette). The first French car, a Peugeot 208, is in 6th place.
Fifteen special stages are planned with secret routes which will each pass through the legendary locations of the Monte Carlo Rally with of course the famous Turini. No doubt on the last night of the race since the competitors will depart from Monaco from 9 p.m. on Saturday October 21 for a return to the Monte Carlo Casino in the early hours of Sunday October 22.
