On Wednesday, February 4th, the Ardèche region once again enjoyed a day entirely dedicated to rallying, as the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique passed through . This stage once again confirmed the region’s deep connection with motorsport.
The second day of racing, starting from Valence at 8:00 a.m., took place entirely on the roads of the Ardèche. A total of 231 crews tackled a challenging route, punctuated by four special stages and a long series of time checks that passed through iconic locations in the region.
A welcome from a true rally land
Along the entire route, the public responded with great participation. In Vals-les-Bains, Privas, and especially Antraigues-sur-Volane, numerous enthusiasts gathered along the roadsides and in the towns to watch the historic cars pass by, creating a warm and authentic atmosphere.
A well-established tradition was also renewed in Antraigues-sur-Volane: the stop in front of the La Remise restaurant, where the Jouanny family welcomed crews and organizers with their customary apple pie, transforming the time check into a convivial moment much appreciated by the participants.
Selective tests and demanding conditions
From a sporting standpoint, the stage put the crews and cars to the test. The special stages, partly held on roads closed to traffic, required great driving precision, partly due to the winter conditions and the characteristics of the road surface.
Between technique, landscapes and tradition, the Ardèche has confirmed its central role in the history of rallying, offering an ideal backdrop for one of the most iconic stages of the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique.