Behind the wheel of the Grand Prix and Rallye Monte-Carlo: the Automobile Club de Monaco

An iconic institution of the Principality, the Automobile Club de Monaco organises the country’s famous motor racing events, including the Monaco Grand Prix and the Rallye Monte-Carlo.

It was in 1890 that the forerunner to the Automobile Club de Monaco, Sport Vélocipédique Monégasque (VCM, the Monegasque Cycling Sport Association), was formed, with Prince Albert I serving as honorary president. As four-wheeled vehicles driven by combustion engines grew in popularity, the association – now known as the Sport Automobile et Vélocipédique de Monaco (SAVM, Monaco Automobile and Cycling Sport Association) – organised the first Rallye Monte-Carlo in 1911. Competitors were to set off from several cities across Europe (Berlin, Paris, Vienna, etc.) and converge in Monaco. The “Monte-Carlo” is thus the doyen of car rallies.

“In terms of reputation, the Formula 1 Grand Prix is the oldest race after Monza. From a televisual perspective, it is exceptional. I think that these are the best pictures of the Championship.”

Michel Boeri, President of the ACM since 1972, speaking to Code Sport.

Throughout its history, the Automobile Club has built an international reputation based on its innovations, including the creation of a corps of volunteer road and track marshals who ensure the safety of the Grand Prix and Rallye Monte-Carlo – a small army of around 700 men.

The ACM headquarters, which have been located at 23 Boulevard Albert I since 1958, are home to a restaurant and bar as well as private rooms for its 6,000 members, an advertising agency and a rental centre.