Cars entered in the 41st Monte Carlo Rally started their journey from nine points in Europe on Friday (21 Jan).

Many of the leading drivers started from Athens, among them, Harry Kallstrom and Simo Lampinen, both in Lancias.

Altogether thirty cars started from Athens and after the first day's driving they'd reported reasonably good weather and few problems.

Among starters from Monaco was Rauno Aaltonen - popularly known as the "Flying Finn". He is driving a Datsun.

Another Datsun starting from Manaco is driven by British drivers Tony Fall, and Mike Wood.

Two hundred and sixty-four crews have entered this year's rally and it's expected that the special tests which face drivers after they reach Monte Carlo will decide the final results.