Erik Comas presents us here a superbe 2003 edition of Monte Carlo Historique :

31/Jan/2003  Historic Monte Carlo Rally about to start - but still lots to do!

With 2003 being the first year Comas Historic Racing (CHR) has become fully involved in historic rallying, the news has gained the attention of the press, and has spread surprisingly quickly among CHR race fans.

The Sixth Historic Monte Carlo Rally, which serves as the first event on the Historic Rally calendar this year, is being held from February 1st to 5th

On the day before the start of the event, Erik Comas called all his mechanics and assistants together at the CHR garage in Valence for one last check of the participating vehicles; the tyres, parts etc. A participants' briefing was also held, covering everything necessary to fully prepare the CHR team members for the upcoming event.

This year there are 5 CHR vehicles taking part, crewed by ten people including Erik. They are backed up by six Alpine specialists, a team of mechanics, media representatives and a support crew of 4.

Today's meeting started at 2pm, with the main aims being checking the route and equipment readiness. With over 60% of France blanketed under snow since yesterday, and because there was some concern about more snow falling during the rally, arrangements for alternative routes for the support vehicles was also discussed.

In the evening, Erik and the other CHR participants took the five Alpines, all support vehicles (the 2 Renault R16 TSs, the SAVIEM SG2, and two Renault Espace vans) on the A8 highway to tonight's destination of Cannes, about four hours' drive away.