Which rally is considered the oldest and most famous in the WRC calendar?

The rally considered the oldest and most famous in the WRC calendar is the Monte Carlo Rally.

First held in 1911, the event was created by Monaco’s Automobile Club at the initiative of Prince Albert I. Its original purpose was partly promotional: competitors drove from different European starting points toward Monte Carlo to showcase automobile reliability and attract visitors to Monaco. Henri Rougier won the inaugural event in a Turcat-Méry.

The rally became a WRC round when the championship began in 1973 and has traditionally opened the season. Its distinctive challenge is the mixture of dry, wet, snowy and icy mountain roads in southeastern France. Drivers must make difficult tyre choices because conditions can change dramatically within one stage.

A common mix-up is the event’s name: although it is associated with Monaco, much of the modern route takes place in France. The famous Col de Turini mountain pass, often run at night, is one of its signature locations. Rally Finland, Rally Sweden and Rally GB are historic events, but none matches Monte Carlo’s 1911 origin and enduring prestige.