The Automobile Club de Monaco (there's a name to get your moustache twitching) is getting ready for the 2010 Monte Carlo Rally, which runs from January 18th - 23rd. The words Monte Carlo and rally may conjure up memories of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore in ‘Monte Carlo or Bust', but the rally is said by many to be the best in the world and sits alongside the Grand Prix as one of Monaco's premium motor sport events.

The Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo was first opened by Monaco's Prince Albert I in 1911 and has tested drivers skill on the most difficult and spectacular terrains. This year the route covers 1669.56 kilometres in total through legendary stages in the Ardeche region and on the Col de Turini.

In the early years it was an important way for car manufacturers like Citroen to test modifications to new vehicles. In modern times, with the route varying between snow and tarmac, choice of tyres and even petrol is seen as vital to a successful race. The rally used to be part of the FIA World Rally Championship but this year will be its second in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC).

The opening departure ceremony takes place on the Champs de Mars in Valence, January 19th and its ceremonial finish is in Monaco on the 23rd. You can check out details in our Whats On guide. Last year's race was dominated by French Peugeots, but you never know. The ghost of Peter Cook is never far away...

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