The Start in Reims

The computer is fixed at last, so I can now bring you pictures of some of the highlights of the Rallye Monte Carlo Historique 2011.

The teams of Peter Barker and Alastair Vines are captured here getting their cars cleaned up to drive down to scrutineering at the Centre des Congres in Reims.

The scrutineering area at the Palais de Congress was not as pleasant as the old place at the Parc des Expositions. It was overcrowded and very cold, with a howling gale blowing through the place. Not good.

Our service teams with Discovery 4 vehicles loaned to us by Land Rover wait at the edge of town until we appear out of the night.

Here some in car video as we go over the starting ramp and begin our adventure on the Rallye Monte Carlo Historique 2011



As the night wears on we begin to climb up the Col du Granier just before dawn.



Then we go over the top as dawn breaks - not much snow this year



We stop for a major service, tyre change and a nibble on some of Lisa's excellent flap jacks in a lay by on the outskirts of St Andre les Alpes. Nigel Chetwynd getting stuck in.

Land Rover Discovereys are just fantastic tools for supporting a Mini on a long distance rally such as this.

Discovery loadspace chocker with fuel cans, spare wheels, spare parts and tools. Nigel at work in the office!

This is the main time control at St Andre les Alpes where the entire rally comes together during Saturday 29th January - all 330 cars - nearly a 6 hour long rally stream. This is a big rally.

The first competitive test sends us up the Col de Braus in light rain which later turns into a heavy snow storm. Here some in car video of the start and early ascent of the Col.



We completed the test without a hitch and masde our way down into Monaco for the finish of the Concentration run after 23 hours at the wheel. It poured with rain and we all got thoroughly soaked as we gathered up our luggage and headed for the Fairmont Hotel. We were tired, wet and fairly grumpy as chaotic scenes presented themselves in the hotel reception as the entire rally attempted check itself in.

Our position at the end of this day was a mediocre 130th, with team mates Barker in 93rd, Gandy 237th, Morrow / Richards 244th, and Burnier 249th. During the night somewhere south of Grenoble we had sadly lost Anthony Hart and Graeme Allen who had retired with a huge oil leak.

END