Monday, 20 October 2025

Rally - The future of rallying?

Last weekend (15-18 October) the FIA’s ‘ecoRally Monte Carlo’ took place in and around Monte Carlo. Taking part in the 1000 km (621 miles) event were 62 crews in a variety of EV cars from 17 car makers. Not quite a ‘special stage’ rally as we know it as the competitive part centred on 14 ‘regularity stages’ totalling some 231km (144 miles) of timed competition.

There was only one British crew, Kinross’ Richard Crozier and Shrewsbury’s Craig Parry who also contested the ‘eco Rally Scotland’ in July earlier this year with Ashleigh Morris.

The duo were one of six crews entered in ‘works’ supported Alpine A290 electric ‘hot hatches’ with Richard commenting: “That was up there among the most memorable and enjoyable experiences I’ve had. We knew that it would be tough, but we wanted to gain experience in this form of motorsport, and gather knowledge for future outings.”

Craig added: “The event was a massive step up in terms of the navigational challenge it posed. I loved it and I have learned more during this event than during my four years of rallying in the UK, given how technical it was.”

Even so they were up against some pretty experienced European crews and finished in 47th place.