Watch amazing driving at the Monte Carlo Rally.

Special stages run high in the mountains behind the riviera are covered in snow and ice this year.  What makes the Monte special is that there is never consistent enough cover along the stage to run a full studded snow so tire choice and compromise is key.

Some racers resort to mixing studded and "winter" tires,  one of each on front and rear axles, you can imagine how tricky that is.

One thing seems clear from the interviews,  nobody was happy and it's no surprise that one man is dominating this most difficult of challenges,  Sebastien Loeb.

Next stop: Turini!