APRC returns to Japan for Montre 2024

The FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) event, Montre 2024, is set to make its grand return from 7-9 June at the new host location in Annaka, central Japan. As the third of six events in the 2024 season, Montre remains is a highlight on the Japanese national rally calendar, attracting a strong competitor and fan base.

Using 106km of competitive tarmac road in the Gunma Prefecture, it is divided into 10 special stages. Sections of road will be repeated over Saturday and Sunday, providing a consistent yet challenging experience for the teams.

The entry list includes 70 teams, with 16 of them competing for APRC points in both the Asia and Pacific sub-titles. Notable competitors include long-time APRC participant Toshi Arai (Subaru) and his son Hiroki Arai (Skoda), adding a familial rivalry to the mix.

Heikki Kovalainen, Montre Rally 2022
Starting at 8:30 am on Saturday from the Annaka Shinkumi Sports Centre, the teams contest six stages scheduled for the day. Sunday’s action consists of four stages, two road sections repeated, with a service break at Annaka Shinkumi Sports Centre late in the morning. The rally concludes with a ceremonial finish and podium celebrations at 4:15 pm on Sunday, after covering a total distance of 641.01 km.

Annaka, conveniently located within a train journey from Tokyo, provides easy access for spectators. As the only Japanese event on the 2024 APRC calendar, Montre 2024 offers a unique opportunity for rally fans to witness top-tier competition close to the capital.

Many of the stages will be live streamed with additional information available from the event website https://rally-montre.com/en/

Live stream links:

SS3: https://youtube.com/live/3bi0zaF5_54

SS6: https://youtube.com/live/ZNBNKe-RsqQ

SS7: https://youtube.com/live/fDFq0FFk4gw

SS9: https://youtube.com/live/HIxTz-dc0J8

Ceremonial finish: https://youtube.com/live/Y3QvOIt♙baM

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