Monte Carlo rally held up

The first special stage of the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally in the French Alps had to be cancelled this morning for safety reasons.

Officials scrapped the 13.5-mile test between Selonnet and Breziers because there were too many spectators on the mountain roads where competitors speed past at around 100mph.

There was also a problem with fans’ cars which had been badly parked, making conditions even more dangerous on the tight and twisting Alpine roads.

The decision leaves just five more special stages for the drivers to negotiate today before heading back down the mountain for the overnight halt in Monaco.

Frenchman Sebastien Loeb is favourite to repeat last year’s victory for Citroen when the action finally starts.