Training for the Monte Carlo Rally is underway.

Lucienne Edmunston-Low was born in France and worked as a code-breaker during World War Two. Now, at the age of 71, she has set her sights on the upcoming and unpredictable four-day Monte Carlo Rally, organised each year by the Automobile Club de Monaco and starting in South East France.

Lucienne explains that she has done no preparation, but is in an excellent state of health. Sharing her car will be her navigator, a woman of similar age. Competitors are to set off from various starting points around Europe and rally their way to Monaco. Once the race is completed, there is a reception with the president of the scheme, Princess Caroline of Monaco.

The Monte Carlo Rally is the oldest and most popular rally race in the world, dating back to 1911, where just 23 competitors started out. Its origins were to demonstrate the innovative improvements to automobiles, and promote Monaco as a Mediterranean tourist destination. From 1973 to 2008 the rally was held in January as the first event of the FIA World Rally Championship. Known for its challenging winter driving conditions typically comprising dry tarmac, wet tarmac, snow, and ice, sometimes all in a single stage, mixed with dangerous mountain bends. It is no mean feat.