One of the all time classic Rally events took place during the week. The Monte Carlo rally is, to many the most iconic of the international rallies, but this year it is not part of the World Rally Championship (WRC). It is instead part of the Intercontinental Rally Championship (IRC)

With snow and ice taking hold during the recce and shakedown, this year's running was sure to be eventful. Former WRC champion Didier Auriol found out how eventful on stage 1 as he joined Luca Rossetti on the sidelines after accidents. Juho Hanninen took charge, and led well through day one and much of day two, before a puncture cost him more than two minutes and dropped him behind Sebastien Ogier. Ogier did not relinquish the lead from thereon, and claimed a well deserved victory in what was a treacherous and tricky event. Anton Alen endured heartache, as he had finished the rally, effectively, in sixth place. However, the clutch failed on his Abarth Grande Punto during the road stage whilst returning to parc ferme. This unlucky event forced his retirement from the event.

The WRC season kicks off with Rally Ireland next week, as the event begins on Thursday 29th January and runs to Sunday 1st February. 2003 World Champion Petter Solberg will not feature in the opening round, but will contest the remainder of the 2009 campaign. After Subaru withdrew from the WRC, he was left without a drive, but has since purchased a Citroen Xsara, which he will run privately for the year.

Results

  Rallying

    IRC

      Final Positions (Top 8)
        1. Sebastien Ogier
        2. Freddy Loix
        3. Stephane Sarrazin
        4. Jan Kopecky
        5. Giandomenico Basso
        6. Frederic Romeyer
        7. Olivier Burri
        8. Luca Betti

      Driver Standings
        1. Sebastien Ogier      10 Pts
        2. Freddy Loix           8 Pts
        3. Stephane Sarrazin     6 Pts
        4. Jan Kopecky           5 Pts
        5. Giandomenico Basso    4 Pts
        6. Frederic Romeyer      3 Pts
        7. Olivier Burri         2 Pts
        8. Patrick Atrtru        1 Pts

      Manufacturer Standings
        1. Peugeot      18 Pts
        2. Abarth        6 Pts
        3. Skoda         5 Pts
        4. Mitsubishi    4 Pts