This weekend the eyes of the world will be focused on Monaco, a location famed globally for its exclusivity, luxury and prestige, as the Monte-Carlo Grand Prix hits the streets of the principality. This is the race they all want to win; and on the tight, twisting and unforgiving narrow streets battle will be resumed between the red Ferrari F1 cars of the blisteringly quick young Brazilian Felipe Massa and the cold, calm Finnish ‘iceman’ Kimi Raikkonen, the pair again taking on the silver McLaren-Mercedes racers of double Spanish world champion Fernando Alonso, and the hot English youngster – and championship leader – Lewis Hamilton who has ripped the established order apart in his rookie year, in a no holds barred contest.

Meanwhile in just over two months time another cavalcade of high performance cars will arrive in Monte Carlo as the Autodelta European Tour 2007 makes its stopover in the tiny principality. The Autodelta European Tour 2007 is set to be the premier pan-European ‘driving adventure’ this year; its 5-country, 7-day itinerary will take the participants from London to Italy and Switzerland, with the high point of its stopovers set to include fabulous Monaco. The Tour will conclude day two’s driving at the ‘Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort’ one of the world’s most sumptuous and exclusive hotels. With all round panoramic sea views its breathtaking features include a unique ‘lagoon’ and stunning neo-classic architecture; the hotel is a regular haunt of A-lists actors and film stars.

As well as being a scheduled Tour stopover, Monte Carlo will also see the official launch by Autodelta of a brand-new exclusive Alfa Romeo model, dubbed the Autodelta J20. This high-performance bespoke sports car has been created to celebrate the occasion of the Alfa Romeo design & tuning firm’s 20th anniversary, and is set be limited to just 20 individually-numbered units. The official launch will take place in Casino Square, which will be specially sectioned off for this glamorous occasion.

The Tour will in fact arrive in Monte Carlo in the afternoon of the second day, the cavalcade of cars making their way to the principality after an early morning departure from day one’s stopover location in the French city of Dijon. Arrival at the ‘Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort’ will be in mid-afternoon so as to allow for sightseeing or the opportunity to relax and make full use of the hotel’s many luxurious, leisure features.

Andrew Smith, Autodelta General Manager, says: “We simply couldn’t wish for a better and more prestigious location in Monte Carlo than the ‘Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort’. During last year’s Tour the ‘Society des Bain de Mer’ were completely behind the philosophy of our concept and provided invaluable input, so it was logical to take our association one step further this year.”

Guillaume Rose, SBM General Manager of Public Relations – says “We are honoured to be chosen as the venue for the World Launch of Autodelta’s 20th Anniversary Car, and as such Casino Square provides the perfect backdrop, our assistance will create the ultimate venue and exposure for this celebratory milestone. The Society des Bains De Mer chose the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort as it synergises perfectly with the concept of the Autodelta European Tour and as such provides an oasis to the participants. Its many luxury facilities will allow them to relax and prepare for the rest of their European journey. I look forward to working with Andrew and to welcoming everyone to the principality”.

Autodelta European Tour 2007

The 2007 Tour is to take place between 28th July and 4th August. Building on the two previous successful Tours, Autodelta are welcoming entries from customers and friends old and new to participate in this marvellous event. This is not a race, but a relaxed tour and drivers will enjoy breathtaking and spectacular routes through five countries for the ultimate driving Tour of Europe, with two starting points to welcome European drivers. Entry is strictly limited to 35 cars. The Tour will include museum and factory visits, and an opportunity to drive on a dedicated race track.
 

Plenty of time has also been set aside to enjoy the beautiful scenery and fantastic hotels together with the local hospitality. The addition of a dedicated London start, multiple product launch venues, support vehicle and mechanics as well as promotional merchandise will see the 2007 Tour really gather momentum. The Tour has its own dedicated website with real time mapping and ample advertising and associated product awareness capabilities. The full Tour is priced at £1,250.00 per person. See www.autodeltatour.com for full terms & conditions.

Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort

Since its creation, the “Society des Bain de Mer” has met the demands of a highly discerning clientele for leisure activities, luxury accommodation and refined dining establishments. To maintain its reputation of excellence and perpetuate its avant-garde approach, it has now opened the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, inspired by Mediterranean Palaces.

With a lagoon unique in Europe, neo-classical architecture with arcades and colonnades, bedrooms, suites and duplex apartments, the Bay Hotel offers unparalleled, breath-taking views of Monaco and the sea. Once through the hotel entrance, designed to mimic that of a private residence, a solarium, terraces, cascades, and gardens all play their part in creating a new Garden of Eden of pleasure and elegance.

The hotel’s ideal orientation, offering views of the sea from east, south and west, results from an L-shaped design with three 11-story towers. The indoor pool, sheltered by a “Pavilion Baltard”, continues outside with beautiful landscaped gardens feature a magnificent lagoon with cascades, Jacuzzis, and vast sun terraces in the midst of luxuriant greenery. The lagoon itself is 100 metres long with a sandy bottom and can be reached by several pathways and little bridges, the first in Europe, its curvy shape creates different areas between the sea and the natural vegetation. The garden lighting has been designed to give a romantic “moonlit” impression, building up to a crescendo from the hotel towards the furthest end of the darker areas, and revealing backdrops- a total contrast to traditional public lighting.

Whilst the guest-rooms have access to high-tech equipment including WiFi, wireless telephones and LCD screens, they have been beautifully decorated in warm inviting colours inspired by the Moroccan Tadelakt style and each has its own private terrace leading out towards the horizon. The “Cinq Mondes” Spa at the heart of the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & resort invites guests to discover its exceptional treatments. Dedicated to well-being, a wonderful palette of treatments and ancestral traditions enhanced by incomparable quality and service it offers clients a truly unique experience. Specially arranged treatments for participants of the Autodelta European Tour have been arranged where they can relax and experience the Spa in preparation for the rest of the journey around Europe.

The complex is literally self sufficient and even has its own Casino, the famous “Jimmy’s nightclub” as well as its own Helipad for those wishing to avoid the roads and tourists. The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort is truly spectacular, words and even pictures do not do it justice; you just have to experience it for yourself.

For further information on the Autodelta European Tour 2007 please visit www.autodeltatour.com, email info@autodeltatour.com or telephone 020 8838 3535