The Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique, held annually since its inception, restricts entries to cars that competed between 1950 and 1983. This year's event features a unique matchup: F1 driver Takuma Sato behind the wheel of a 1975 Honda Civic RS, pitted against the legendary Peugeot 205 Turbo 16.
The Honda Civic was prepped by students from the Honda Technical College in Japan, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Both cars were rescued from rusty condition and upgraded with safety equipment and instrumentation for long-distance rallying.
The event marks a fitting tribute to Soichiro Honda's legacy as the college's founder. With Sato at the helm, the team is confident about a strong finish.
The Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique has long awarded giant killers, making this a chance for the college students to take pride in their handiwork and Honda's humble economy car. The event features six departure points across Europe, from Scotland to Barcelona to Turin, with competitors departing from these locations.
This is one of the few non-European teams participating, with Sato's Civic being the only Honda model eligible for entry. The cars are a testament to Japan's rich motorsports history and its contribution to the world of rallying.
The Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique is a unique event that celebrates the past while showcasing the skills of modern drivers like Takuma Sato. With his experience in F1 and IndyCar, Sato is well-equipped to handle the challenges of this historic rally.
