Mark your calendars: From January 27 to February 3, 2027, the 29th edition of the Monte-Carlo Historic Rally will take place—an event that promises to be captivating and full of new features. This edition will take place on the historic route of an iconic race, featuring regularity stages on roads closed to traffic and a lineup of entrants that will give you goosebumps, thanks to the caliber of the crews and the legendary cars that shaped the history of this race from 1911 through 1986. This edition, in a way, highlights the limitations of today’s WRC—marked by too many restrictions, too few participating manufacturers, and a lack of creativity in tackling the stages.
Daniele Audetto is undoubtedly a legendary figure in world rallying, with seven years of triumphs behind the wheel of a Lancia, followed by a move to Ferrari in 1976—the season that director Ron Howard brings to screens around the world in the film *Rush*—and later to Fiat, where he won championships with the 131 Abarth. He also has experience in Formula 1 with Arrows and Superaguri, as well as in driver management and event organization: a well-rounded career in global motorsports, a unique experience, and an understanding of the industry that few can match. When asked specifically about the upcoming historic rally, he was clear and to the point: “I can only say that the huge success of the Monte Carlo Historic Rally highlights the never-ending crisis of the WRC—and not just the Monte Carlo WRC, which has never had so few entries, but above all so little following. And let them not tell us that the safety measures are too restrictive; the Historic Rally has the same safety measures, yet over 200 participants and large crowds at the special stages. The problem is much deeper and more serious, stemming from a lack of professional management by the outgoing promoter. I hope the new promoter will be better able to revitalize the WRC, with investments that live up to expectations, and above all that the FIA will adopt regulations suited to the economic situation that manufacturers are facing—a situation that is preventing their participation, not least due to a lack of visibility in the media and on social networks. Incidentally, I have doubts about the WRC’s global viability in 2027, given the likely lack of the minimum three manufacturers required by FIA regulations to be entered for the entire championship. Many friends and I will be at the top of the legendary Turini to watch the “historic” competitors pass by, but we won’t be there for the Monte WRC—and it breaks my heart!!!”. A clear stance that nonetheless highlights the importance of the historic rally coming up in late January, because it will be an opportunity to see firsthand those who made history and serves as a foundation for the future.
