The seven-day rally began with the so-called ‘rally tour’. On the first two days, it took all participants to the Champ de Mars in Valence, France. It was possible to start in Germany (Bad Homburg v. d. H.), Monaco (Monte-Carlo), France (Reims) and Italy (Turin). All the teams then met for the first time in Valence. They then faced a total of 17 special stages over five days.

Sometimes extreme conditions and demanding roads

And they demanded everything from the participants in the truest sense of the word: four special stages a day in the area around Valence with a length of up to 40 kilometres required maximum concentration and driving skills. Added to this was the classic winter weather with icy temperatures, snow and slippery roads. A smart choice of tyres proved to be crucial right from the start.

Narrow mountain pass roads and wintry track conditions made the special stages particularly challenging.

The route led through the French regions of Isère, Drôme, Hautes-Alpes and Ardèche - areas that are among the most demanding of the rally with winding, sometimes changeable roads. Maximum driving precision was required here to master the challenges of the special stages.

The grand finale and the night of the long knives

On the last day of the rally, the final five special stages were on the programme, with the first three special stages of this leg ultimately leading the participants to Monte-Carlo. One of the highlights of the rally is traditionally the legendary night stage, which features two more special stages. This leads over the Col de Turini, whose pass height of almost 1,600 metres has to be overcome in difficult conditions in the dark. This stage, known as the ‘Night of the Long Knives’, has often decided victory or defeat in the history of the rally.

Start of the ‘Night of the Long Knives’ over the Col de Turini.

The Rally Monte-Carlo Historique as a tribute to the history of motorsport

The Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique is part of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) calendar and traditionally takes place immediately after the Rallye Monte-Carlo. As a tribute to the historic roots of this legendary race, special conditions of participation apply: Only vehicles that have previously participated in the Monte-Carlo Rally between 1911 and 1983 are eligible. The vehicles must also have an HTP car pass and the driver and co-driver must have a valid driver's licence. In addition, the event is held without closed tracks, meaning that participants must comply with all road traffic rules.

Title defence with a new vehicle

At the end of the Rally Monte-Carlo Historique 2025, a familiar team was able to claim victory once again: Michel Decremer and Jennifer Hugo from Belgium successfully defended their title. While they triumphed in 2024 with an Opel Ascona (built in 1979), this year they opted for an Alfa Romeo Giulia from 1965.

A total of seven teams from Germany took part in the 2025 Monte-Carlo Historique Rally. Among them were Jörg Pöhlemann and Marc Stoll. They achieved 12th place overall with their Porsche 924 from 1976.

KÜS and motorsport - a long tradition

‘Taking part in the Rally Monte Carlo Historique was a real adventure. It was also very touching to see so many fans wanting to experience this adventure in sub-zero temperatures,’ explains Yannic Wilkin. ‘KÜS and motorsport have a long tradition,’ emphasises KÜS Managing Director Peter Schuler. ‘Of course, it's all about fascination and enthusiasm. It is at least as important that many safety systems first have to prove themselves in motorsport before they are installed in road vehicles. This safety aspect also fits in perfectly with KÜS's self-image!’

KÜS Managing Director Peter Schuler and co-driver Yannic Wilkin in the Porsche 924 Carrera GT.

The fascination for the Monte-Carlo Rally remains unbroken

The 2025 Monte-Carlo Historique Rally impressively underlines why it is one of the most fascinating events in historic motorsport. Beyond speed and rankings, it epitomises the passion for classic motorsport, the close connection between man and machine and the tireless battle against the elements. It is a true experience for participants and spectators alike, keeping motorsport history alive. With its unique blend of tradition and competition, it remains an unrivalled highlight in the racing calendar that fans and drivers look forward to year after year - and so does KÜS.