The Automobile Club of Monaco: A Sporting Ambition

The Automobile Club of Monaco, founded more than a hundred years ago, initiated the Monte-Carlo Rally and the Monaco Grand Prix, among other events.

The history of the Automobile Club of Monaco dates back to 26 August 1890. Its origins were in … a cycling association. It was on this day that the “Sport Vélocipédique de la Principauté” (“Velocopedic Sport of the Principality”) association was created; it changed its name several times, becoming the Automobile Club of Monaco in 1925.

The association, which was originally kept confidential, attracted attention as early as 1909, when Alexandre Noghès was elected as its head. As soon as he was elected, he proposed creating a specific sporting event, which came into being two years later with the help of his son Antony – the Monte-Carlo Automobile Rally, the first of which took place in January 1911.

Since then, its legendary history has seen a succession of amazing feats, from those of the Argentinean driver Juan Manuel Fangio, who was victorious in 1950, to the successes of the British driver Lewis Hamilton, not forgetting, of course, six wins by Ayrton Senna and four by Alain Prost, during the height of their rivalry, plus five wins by Michael Schumacher.

Thanks to this exceptional hall of fame, the Automobile Club of Monaco has continued to develop; its headquarters on Port Hercule also feature a restaurant, a bar and private lounges for members, as well as shops and technical areas.