[2] The 1999 event was based in the city-state of Monaco and was contested over fourteen special stages, covering a total competitive distance of 424.69km (263.89 miles).

Tommi Makinen was the defending world rally champion, as was Team Mitsubishi Ralliart.

The Ford Motor Co Ltd entries would be excluded from the final results after an illegal water pump was discovered.

The drama began before the first stage, as Schwarz' Skoda suffered clutch issues before even making it to the ceremonial start ramp.

The final two stages of the day would be run at night, atop the famous Col de Turini.

Sunday would start with Panizzi retiring from the event on the first stage after sliding on black ice and flipping the car; the damage was too severe to continue.