06/Feb/2003 Common Leg Part 2 - The Run to the End:

Part 2 of the Common Leg of the Monte Carlo Historic Rally took place today with competitors running two Special Stages; Les Savoyons/Faye and Sisteron/Thoard, in the Gappe- Monaco stretch of the event (300km, target time 6 hours 5 minutes).

Although there was heavy snow in the higher altitudes during the morning, by noon the temperature had risen, melting much of the surface ice on the roads and allowing the CHR competitors to switch from spiked snow tyres to studless rubber as they headed south towards Cote d'Azur.

During the liaison, Alpine competitors were offered warm drinks and snacks in a hospitality tent set up by the local Alpine club as a show of support for the beloved marque. In the afternoon, all CHR-run Alpines reached Monte Carlo safely. Five hours later, participants competed in the last leg of the event, a section running 360km from Monaco - Monaco, with a target finish time of 5 hours 30 minutes.

This leg is really the climax of the event, featuring the famed hairpin curves so common on these mountain roads. Special Stages were run from l'Escarene/Sospel, Sospel/Col de Turini/La BolleneVesubie, and Saint Sauveur sur Tinee/Beuil.

This section was run at night and proved to be a real test of driver skill as nerves were frayed by the tough conditions. Competitors were forced to employ a Stop and Go strategy as they followed cars in front on this particularly narrow section. This was considered by some as the peak of difficulty on the event. However, all CHR-entered cars made it safely through the stage, reaching their goal victoriously.

Thaks to Comas Historic Racing and to Erik Comas.