Grand Prix racer Caffi braced for Monte debut

Ex-Formula One driver Alex Caffi says he will have nothing to fear when he makes his Intercontinental Rally Challenge debut on Rallye Monte-Carlo next month.

Caffi, 46, will drive a Skoda Fabia Super 2000 on the centenary edition of the asphalt event, which is regarded as one of the toughest rallies in the world due to the constant threat of ice and snow.

"I have done some rallies before but they were small rallies and never in snow and ice," said Caffi, who took part in 56 Formula One grands prix. "I understand it will be very difficult but for my first grand prix [at Monza in 1986] I went in a turbo car with 1500bhp with no testing and finished the race. If I did something like that then I know I can do this. I don’t fear anything."

Caffi, who also has extensive experience of racing sportscars, said he was keeping his expectations of a strong result firmly in check, adding: "I just want to get some experience and make the finish. If I can pass the Col de Turini two times in the night then I will be very happy. It will be a big sensation."

Italian team DP Autosport will oversee Caffi’s debut on Rallye Monte-Carlo, which will once again enjoy extensive live television coverage on Eurosport.