Testing ground for new generation autos.
The 4th Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally takes place from 25th to 28th March. What started as a specialist trial for passionate amateurs has become a testing ground for automobile manufacturers' new technology. From just 36 competitors in 2007, the numbers tripled to 94 last year.
The cars go through administrative and technical checks on Thursday 25th March, and then set off for the concentration stage from one of 3 towns: Clermont-Ferrand, Lugano, or Annecy le Vieux. They all make their way to Valence, arriving in the afternoon of Friday 26th March. On Saturday, the drivers head towards Monaco, where they'll be welcomed to the EVER Monaco 2010 conference that's taking place at the same time. The final stage is a round trip through the hills behind Nice, starting and ending in Monaco on Saturday night.
This year a new Urban Electric Challenge has been created for purely electric vehicles that are unable to travel further than 150 km without recharging. There'll be 3 regularity tests for them:
- 26th March, 9.5 km around Annecy le Vieux
- 27th March, twice, 33 km on the roads behind Nice
Also new for 2010 is a speed test on Sunday in Monaco called the Super Special Stage. The circuit covers 400 m from the Portier tunnel exit up to Casino Square, and this stage is followed by the prize giving at the Hotel de Paris.
Registrations are still open if you fancy your chances. For more information, contact ASAC Mont Blanc in Annecy, or visit the Automobile Club of Monaco website.
