Rally Monte Carlo 1925 - David against Goliath or 9.121 liters against 2.1 liters
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Summary
In 1925, the Monte Carlo Rally was given new points regulations and whoever made the best use of them won.
Estimated reading time: 3min
Preview (beginning of the article)
The new points system for 1925 can be easily summarized: The further away from Monaco the starting point, the more precise the adherence to the prescribed speed, the more people on board, the better the chance of success. Carburetor manufacturer François Repusseau seems to have studied the regulations thoroughly. He takes his most powerful car out of the garage and sets off for Africa. In Tunis, six co-drivers from the closest family circle take their seats in the 9.121-liter Renault 40CV and he wants to reach Monaco via Oran - Tangier - Gibraltar - San Sebastian. The Mertens couple had the same idea, but only two of them set off in a 2.1-liter Lancia Lambda, choosing the slightly longer route via Casablanca. Logical - Repusseau's family, including the underage pupil, guaranteed a 42-point lead at the start. The Mertens arrive at the finish line early on January 22 - Repusseau hours later. The duel had to be decided after a rest day on the additional loop - the regularity stage on the Col de Braus. Repusseau has a hard time. He only mastered all the tight bends by maneuvering forwards and backwards with great effort. The Renault 40 CV has a wheelbase of 3 meters and 99 centimeters! Mrs. Mertens, on the other hand, gets the Lancia through the hairpin bends in one go. The carburetor manufacturer's points lead melts away. Point by point, passenger by passenger. However, he saves himself with a 5.030-point lead to the finish. An additional passenger would have given Mertens the win! The famous Bugatti racing driver and later race director of Ettore Bugatti, Ernest Friedrich, finished the rally in 13th place with no chance of victory. P.S. The two Mertens still had a patch of defiance. At the optional hill climb at Mont des Mules, Monsieur Mertens sets the fastest time of the day while his wife recovers in the hotel from the exertions of the drive through the North African desert. The next day, she will start the additional loop over the Col de Braus well rested.
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