History 2000s

2006 Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo (Monaco)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2006 Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo (Monaco)

Date: January 20–22, 2006

Start Location: Place du Casino, Monte Carlo

Finish Location: Monte Carlo

Total Distance: ~1,013 km

Competitive Stages: 366.06 km

Surface: Asphalt (variable grip with ice/snow patches)

The 2006 Monte Carlo Rally marked the season opener and Citroën’s first full campaign with the privateer Kronos Racing team while their works outfit prepared the new C4 WRC. Sébastien Loeb, undeterred by the change, delivered a masterclass in tire choice, pace management, and Monte-specific precision driving to secure his fourth straight win in the principality.

Route

Le Moulinon – Antraigues: A classic opening test with long climbs and exposed mountain switchbacks, where ice lurked in shaded corners.
Burzet – Saint-Martial: Mixed-surface conditions challenged drivers to find rhythm while constantly adjusting braking points.
Col de Turini: The iconic night stage over the Alps-Maritimes, lined with fans and flanked by snowbanks, demanded supreme commitment.

Monte Carlo’s legendary tarmac stages demanded mastery of constantly shifting grip levels. Notable stages included:

Competitors faced dry tarmac in the valleys, damp surfaces on mid-altitude sections, and slick ice at the highest points, making tire strategy a gamble that could make or break a rally.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Sébastien Loeb & Daniel Elena · Citroën Xsara WRC – Kronos Racing
2nd Place
Marcus Grönholm & Timo Rautiainen · Ford Focus RS WRC 06
3rd Place
Toni Gardemeister & Jakke Honkanen · Peugeot 307 WRC

Loeb built a commanding lead early and maintained it with calculated precision. Grönholm, making his Ford debut, showed strong pace but couldn’t match Loeb’s Monte expertise, while Gardemeister delivered a surprise podium in his first outing with Peugeot.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Mixed Surface Conditions: Constantly changing grip forced crews to adjust pace notes on the fly.
  • Tire Strategy: The wrong choice could cost minutes — Loeb’s calls were spot-on throughout the rally.
  • Night Driving: The Col de Turini in darkness tested concentration, with black ice adding an extra layer of danger.

Loeb’s win reinforced his dominance on asphalt and proved that even with a semi-privateer team, he was the man to beat. His partnership with Elena, a Monegasque native, once again shone on home roads.

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