The Col de Turini has a habit of deciding legends – and at the 2026 Monte Carlo Historic Rally, it did exactly that.
Spain’s Luis Climent Asensio and Carles Jimenez Valls claimed a dramatic victory in the 28th Monte Carlo Historic Rally, overturning the standings during the iconic “Night of Turini” to secure one of classic motorsport’s most prestigious wins. Driving their BMW 323i, the duo delivered a masterclass when it mattered most, transforming fourth place into overall victory in the rally’s final moments.
Starting the decisive night stages from outside the podium, Climent Asensio and Jimenez Valls attacked the rally’s most demanding test with precision and composure. On the legendary Alpine roads above Monaco, they outperformed rivals under pressure, turning the Turini into the defining moment of the event.
The 2026 edition marked a turning point for the Monte Carlo Historic Rally, with major format changes reshaping the competition. For the first time, regularity stages were run on closed roads, average speeds were increased, and a broader range of historic vehicles was allowed. The result was a faster, more intense rally that many competitors compared to modern World Rally Championship conditions.
Weather added another layer of drama. Overnight storms in the Alpes-Maritimes forced organisers to shorten the final stage, shifting the emphasis from outright attack to intelligent race management. The Spanish crew judged it perfectly, doing enough to protect their lead and seal victory before returning to Monaco.
Behind them, France’s Ludovic De Luca and Sébastien Chol finished second, while Monaco’s Olivier and Lydia Campana delighted home fans by securing third place in their Volkswagen Golf GTI — the pair’s first podium finish in the Historic category.
For Climent Asensio, the win carried special significance. After finishing second in the 2025 Monte Carlo Historic Rally in the same BMW 323i, this time there would be no settling for silver. Redemption arrived on the Turini.
Beyond the result, the rally drew strong crowds across its route, from start towns to legendary mountain passes and historic gathering points. More than 200 crews were classified at the finish, underlining both the challenge and enduring appeal of the event.
With higher intensity, closed roads and a thrilling finale, the 2026 Monte Carlo Historic Rally proved that classic rallying can evolve without losing its soul. As always, the Turini delivered its verdict — and Monaco witnessed history once again.
Image courtesy of ACM Clerc