Rallye Monte-Carlo 2012

Disputed in the hills above Monaco, the penultimate day of the Rallye Monte Carlo saw no change at the top of the overall standings. In front since the end of day one, Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena will start the final day of the rally – featuring just one 5.16km-long stage – with a comfortable lead. Citroën Total World Rally Team looks set to record an excellent overall result with Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen on course to take 4th place.

Day four of the Rallye Monte-Carlo began in glorious sunshine in the port of Monaco. Monaco-born Daniel Elena took a few moments to talk about the origins of his love of rallying: “The Rallye Monte-Carlo was a part of my childhood. When I was a kid, I listened to Bernard Spendler on RMC throughout the night. At 14, I drove up the Col de Turini on a moped. And then in 1997, I took part in my first Monte-Carlo rally. 

It was my first World Championship rally and back then, I was driving. I don’t think about it all that very often, as I tend to become totally absorbed by the race, but there's no doubt that that rally meant something very special to me.” After being placed directly in parc fermé last night, the cars then had a long service period before heading for the start of the day’s stages. The Moulinet – La Bollène Vésubie and Lantosque – Lucéram stages formed a loop that the competitors would complete twice. As the roads were totally dry, the Citroën DS3 WRCs set off with Michelin Pilot Sport hard slicks fitted.