Monte Carlo Rally awaits WRC revamp news

Monte Carlo Rally officials have effectively put a question mark by the final day of its 2015 itinerary while waiting for news of the World Rally Championship's proposed shootout stage.

The Automobile Club de Monaco has revealed a route that is 75 percent new from this season and does not include a final-night dash over the Col de Turini. Instead, Turini is the only named stage on the morning of Sunday, Jan. 25.

The communication states that a Powerstage will be, "chosen according to the new 2015 rules."

The event starts from Monte Carlo on Thursday, Jan. 22, but this time the Casino Square ceremonial start will be followed by two dark stages: Entrevaux-Rouaine (13.24 miles) and Norante-Digne-les-Bains at 12.22 miles) on the road up to an overnight halt in Gap.

Friday, Jan. 22 will run on new roads north of Gap, with two loops of three stages.

As has been the case in previous years, Saturday is the day the crews wind their way back down to Monaco via two runs at the 10-mile Pruniere-Embrun, the event's longest stage (Valeca-Faye 32.1 miles) and Sisteron-Thoard (22.89 miles).

Sunday remains incomplete beyond the decision to run Turini in its extended 22-mile form from La Bollene Vesubie-Sospel.

Another innovation for the ACM is the acceptance of Rally 2 regulations for the first time, allowing retired crews to return the following day with time penalties.