Focus on Marc Dessi and Jean-Paul Palmero, the two Monegasque representatives
Great regulars at Monte-Carlo, Marc Dessi and Jean-Paul Palmero intend to finish the race this year.
Marc Dessi (Renault Clio-RC5)
He is one of the legends of the Rallye Monte-Carlo. At 67, Marc Dessi is about to take part in his… forty-fourth start!
“My first Monte-Carlo dates back to 1976smiles the one who at the time had taken the wheel of an Alfa Romeo and who will be driving a Renault Clio this year. I had recovered this Alfa Romeo which was condemned to breakage and which I managed to repair. »
At a time when “rally cars were also our everyday cars », the Monegasque is obviously nostalgic when recalling his memories.
“I took my daughters to school with my rally cars, and then between races, we crossed out the numbers. Now that the regulations have changed, we spend more time in front of computers than behind the wheel. »
A small annoyance which does not prevent Marc Dessi from leaving for a new edition, alongside his daughter, Pamela, who will be his co-driver for the fifth time.
“We are motor racing enthusiastshe throws. Despite our modest means, we always manage to make ends meet to take the start every year. First I ran with my wife, then with Vanessa, my daughter, and now Pamela, my other daughter. Motorsport is a family affair with us. »
Now retired after a career at the Casino de Monte-Carlo, Marc Dessi intends to reach the finish this year. “As long as I am healthy, I continue. It’s a real pleasure, as an amateur, to find myself in the midst of professional pilots. But I’m here primarily for fun. Seeing the finish line is a bit like my victory. »
Jean-Paul Palmero (Peugeot 208 – RC4)
There was never an edition missing. “We rode a moped to the top of the Col du Turinismiles Jean-Paul Palmero, passionate about cars from an early age. My father had a transport company, I started to enter it. And the rally has arrived. »
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After a parenthesis abroad, the 67-year-old man of Italian origin was recommended to do rallies in the 90s. First historic rallies, then Monte-Carlo. “I raced with a 205 GTI, a 309 GTI, an Abarth, a Lancia Delta or even a Ford Fiesta. »
Port master in Monaco for nearly 30 years, Jean-Paul Palmero is about to take his tenth start, at the wheel of a Peugeot 208 with red edging on a white background that does not remember the colors of the Principality. .
“Renting is the best alternativeconfides the one who has a fine collection of vehicles, including a Porsche 911 SC. At the time, we used our personal vehicles and with a few friends, we managed for assistance. But times have changed. »
A lover of thrills, Jean-Paul Palmero hopes that the weather conditions will bring some spice to the roads of Monte-Carlo.
“What I like more than anything about the Rallye Monte-Carlo and which makes it the most legendary rally in the world, is the choice of tires to adapt to all situations and to changing conditions between stages. . »
Even if the snow should not invite itself on this 91st edition, Jean-Paul Palmero expects once again to fill up with thrills on the steep roads of the rally which has punctuated his life.