The 77th Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo will be the opening round of the 2009 Intercontinental Rally Challenge, an international series launched by Eurosport Events last year and authorised by the FIA.

The 2009 Monte Carlo Rally presents a fresh challenge, a new format and a very different itinerary to the 2008 edition.

The event will take place from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th January and will count three legs. Of note, nighttime racing returns with four stages, including two runs over the famous Col de Turini.

100 contenders will be authorised to take part in the 2009 edition, with only the top 60 cars being allowed to participate in the final night stages.

The prize-giving ceremony will take place on Saturday 24 January, Place du Palais Princier, Monaco.

Leg one: Monaco/Valence – Wednesday 21 January 2009

Start from Monaco at 07:40 for three special stages

SS1: Roquesteron – junction D10/D5

SS2: La Motte Chalancon – St Nazaire le désert

SS3: St Jean en Royans – Col de Gaudissart

Arrival at Valence from 17:30 – Palais des Expositions

Leg two: Valence/Valence – Thursday 22 January 2009

Start from Valence at 08:47 for six special stages

SS4 and SS7: Labatie d'Andaure – St Pierre sur Doux

SS5 and SS8: St Bonnet – St Bonnet

SS6 and SS9: Lamastre – Gilhoc – Alboussière

At the end of SS6, all competitors will return to Valence where they will be placed in a regroup for 15 minutes before a 20-minute service halt.

Arrival at Valence from 18:30

Leg three: Valence/Monaco – Friday 23 January 2009

Start from Valence at 06:00 for five special stages

SS10: Montauban sur Ouvèze – Eygalayes

Arrival at Monaco and Parc Fermé in from 14:08

Start from Monaco at 18:22

SS11 and SS13: Sospel – Turini – La Bollène Vésubie

SS12 and SS14: Lantosque – Luceram

Arrival at Monaco from 01:20