On the footstep of the most popular motor sport competition besides the F1 Grand Prix, the Monte-Carlo Rally, a new challenge is making its way, being equally exciting, even if quieter. The E-Rallye Monte-Carlo (Monte-Carlo E-Rally) and Rallye Zenn (Zenn Rally), skilfully organised by the Automobile Club de Monaco, combines sport passion with high automotive technology with reduced impact on the environment. The ongoing 6th edition of the E-Rally and 22nd edition of Zenn Rally, held from the 26th until the 30th October 2021, gathers 100% electric & hydrogen race cars to compete in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region up reaching the Principality this weekend. This year's race marks a turning point in terms of power charging stations. The Organising Committee had long desired it: to reinforce charging parks with mobile charging points along the traced route. And the dream has just come true thanks to new partnerships with LS Services, ISIOHM brand and Monaco On.
About seventy aspiring applications to be selected by a targeted Committee, twenty-four models representing fourteen registered car manufacturers made it a record of success.
Jacques Rossi, President of the Commission of New and Electric Energies of the ACM, pointed out: "This is the first time since 1995 that we had to call for the Selection Committee, it is simply incredible! We would like to sincerely thank all competitors for this test of fidelity…”.
Started on Wednesday the 26th at 2:00 p.m. in Valence, emblematic location and faithful partner of Monte-Carlo rallies, the challenge immediately revealed as the leading test of the FIA Championship Season as for the Eco Rally Cup 2022. All participants turned on the energy in time to face an intriguing journey through mountain and coastal areas.
The first stage, under a summer-like weather, included three Regularity Special tests to approach the Vercors massif, iconic venue in the Monte-Carlo rally's story. On Thursday the 27th, the second stage addressed to the Ardèche department. A contrasting tour, made of four timed events, with new features and a touch of 'classicism' passing through a truly bucolic region to reach Antraigues-sur-Volane including an unmissable stop to taste the traditional apple pie by Jouanny's family, before getting back to Valence.
The third stage on Friday the 28th went south though a 500km-race route. A full-immersion of adrenaline including four tests organised in three different departments, Drôme, Vaucluse et Var passing by the famous Mont-Ventoux. More than 16 hours on the road, nearly 500 kilometres between Valence and Monaco, and four Regularity Special tests. An exciting experience for all teams including the crew Jacques Pastor/ Fulvio Gazzola, driving a Kia EV6, who are still at the top of the Provisional General Classification. On Saturday the 29th, the fourth stage was characterised by a true world-champion mood, crossing the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Alpes-Maritimes departments towards Bleine.
The final leg went even further in the sporting spirit of the race at the discover of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes Maritimes departments passing by 'monuments' of the territory between mountain and sea: La-Colle-Saint-Michel, Tartonne and Briançonnet. And at the end of this breathtaking sporting final, the crew of the Mairie de Monaco (Municipality of Monaco), made of Jacques Pastor and Fulvio Gazzola (KIA EV6) imposed again for a few seconds in the general classification. A result that should allow the Italo-Monegasque to be ranked first during the awarding ceremony, planned for Sunday the 30th October 2022.
Awarding Ceremony
Now it is official! Jacques Pastor and Fulvio Gazzola (Team No. 8, leading a KIA EV6) representing respectively the Municipality of Monaco and Dolceacqua (Monaco's sister town) were awarded the podium, having achieved a smooth course worthy of the great professionals of the discipline.
"This rally allowed amateurs to have true pleasure. We are delighted to be able to add our name to the winners's list of this increasingly popular event...", Jacques Pastor, Municipal Sports and Association Representative.
“It was tough as my first experience but it made us having a wonderful human adventure, reinforcing the relationship between our two municipalities…”, Fulvio Gazzola, Mayor of Dolceacqua.
The E-Rallye Monte-Carlo and Rallye Zenn have shown once again that combining the passion for sport and environmental protection is possible and it is also fun. ***
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