Ford M-Sport Driver Grégoire Munster to Compete in WRC Monte Carlo Just a Day After Finishing Dakar Rally

The opening event of the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in Monte Carlo will be an emotional and extremely physical test, especially for Ford M-Sport's Grégoire Munster.

Munster, a talented young driver, is preparing to return to the circuit that catapulted his name to fame last year, where he achieved his first-ever stage win at the top level of the world rally championship.

Although his schedule for the rest of the season has not been fully confirmed by M-Sport, Munster's enthusiasm is evident as he welcomes the legendary opening series.

Munster admits that Monte Carlo holds a special place in his heart, but he doesn't underestimate the natural challenges that await him, with unpredictable conditions ranging from wet asphalt to extreme winter conditions covered in snow and ice.

Moreover, for the 2026 edition, these challenges are even more intriguing with changes to the route, including new, unexplored roads and the return of some classic favorites, providing a refreshing challenge for the rally drivers.

"I'm really looking forward to starting the season in Monte Carlo. It's where I achieved my first WRC stage win, and it's always been a difficult event, sometimes even with extreme winter conditions with snow and ice," he said, as quoted from WRC reports on Saturday (December 20, 2025).

"The stages this year will be quite different from previous years, with a mix of new and some of the classic favorites, so it's a new and interesting challenge," added Munster.

Munster's confidence is also boosted by the solid performance of the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 throughout the 2025 season. He highlighted that the car showed significant competitive edge when combined with the soft Hankook tires.

With its proven tech package, along with the reliable performance of the Hankook tires, Munster feels equipped to achieve the best results at the French Alps.

"Throughout 2025, we've seen the Puma Rally1 perform well there with soft Hankook tires, and I know we have everything we need to perform well," he said optimistically.

However, Munster's preparations this year are unique and extremely exhausting. Before racing at Monte Carlo, he is scheduled to participate in the Dakar Rally as the navigator for Greek driver, Jourdan Serderidis.

This extremely packed schedule demands incredible physical and mental endurance from Munster, given he must immediately fly to Europe and start reconnaissance work in Monte Carlo just one day after the Dakar Rally ends.

Responding to the chaotic schedule, Munster acknowledged it as a significant challenge but remained optimistic, saying the transition from the scorching desert heat of Dakar to the freezing temperatures of Monte Carlo will make the beginning of 2026 a busy period in his career.

"This will be a challenge, especially with the direct transition from Dakar to Monte Carlo to conduct recce the next day, so January will be extremely busy. But I'll get some sleep in February!," he concluded.

Notably, the Monte Carlo Rally itself is scheduled to take place from January 22 to 25, marking the start of the fiercely competitive FIA World Rally Championship season in 2026.