Jan Cerny – Renault Clio R3 No. 40: “I’m really surprised I recorded the fastest time, because I wasn’t pushing too hard – I kept pretty steady. It’s the first time I’ve used these tyres and I’ve only ever driven a Clio R3 before in a minor rally. I need to get some experience under my belt so I’m concentrating on the finishing line in Monaco on Friday evening.”

Mathieu Arzeno – Renault Clio R3 No. 38: “It was a great warm-up. It’s my second Monte Carlo, so I've got a bit of experience, but this rally is a challenge you have to approach with a lot of humility. It’s a test of stamina, and there are a lot of traps to avoid along the way. If we get to the end, we’re in with a chance of a good result.”

Matteo Gamba – Renault Clio R3 No. 48: “I didn’t take any risks, so I’m pleased with my time. It gives me confidence for the rest. ”I’m learning a lot about this rally. The special stages are terrific and already there are lots of spectators. When things really get going tomorrow, it’s going to be a madhouse!”

Kris Princen – Renault Clio R3 No. 36: “This stage was totally covered in ice and I’ve never driven a Clio R3 on ice before. First impressions are that everything’s going well. I’m taking no risks on this rally; I’ve no experience of the Monte Carlo, or of ice, or snow."

Pierre Campana – Renault Clio R3 No. 35: “None of the lights on my headlamp bar were working. I couldn’t see a thing and I bumped the left-hand side a bit. It wasn’t a good start. Thank goodness, today doesn’t count. I’ll just forget about it and concentrate on tomorrow.”

Éric Mauffrey – Renault Clio R3 No. 39: “I had a puncture in the middle of the special stage.There was a stone right on the racing line. It was a useful warning. This rally is going to be difficult and I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled. Something can happen in any bend at any time!”

The Formula 1 driver, Robert Kubica, had his engine break during the stage. His mechanics couldn’t fix it without breaking the seals, so there was nothing else he could do but retire.

Results – Prologue:
 
1. Jan Cerny (CZE) – Pavel Kohout (CZE)   7’41’’4
2. Mathieu Arzeno (FRA) – Romain Roche (FRA)  + 2’’8
3. Matteo Gamba (ITA) – Emanuele Inglesi (ITA)  + 7’’6
4. Thomas Barral (FRA) – Sabrina Seux (FRA)  + 22’’2
5. Kris Princen (BEL) – Eddy Smeets (BEL)  + 29’’5
6. Pierre Campana (FRA) – Sabrina de Castelli (FRA)  + 30’’5
7. Simone Campedelli (ITA) – Danilo Fappani (ITA)  + 34’’0
8. Jean-Michel Raoux (FRA) – Céline Charbonnier (FRA)  + 47’’5
9. Eric Mauffrey (FRA) – Gaetan Houssin (FRA)    + 54’’4
10. Christophe Fontaine (FRA) – Yvon Colas (FRA) + 1’03’’0
11. Giuseppe Freguglia (ITA) – Gabriele Falzone (ITA) + 1’28’’00