Monte sets new TV viewers record

Eurosport's figures, compiled by numerous media analysts, are up by two million from last year's event. This year's Monte Carlo Rally, the centenary edition, included live television footage from 12 of the 13 stages and more than 20 hours of coverage in total.

The 2011 event included the use of SimulCam on five stages. This new technology allowed viewers to two drivers competing on the same stage at the same time by overlaying pre-recorded material on the live footage. This was the first time SimulCam had been used on a live event.

"Eurosport's coverage of centenary edition Rallye Monte Carlo was a real success and the cumulative reach of 14 million different viewers represents a new record and a tremendous achievement at the start of the IRC's fifth season," said Geraldine Filliol, managing director of Eurosport Events.

"Not only did we build on our groundbreaking live coverage of this prestigious rally in 2010 with the introduction of SimulCam technology on five stages, we demonstrated once again the IRC's appeal to a global television audience.

"The IRC is still a very young series but it's clearly a big hit with viewers who have embraced the close competition, openness, innovation and spirit the IRC strives to achieve. We would like to thank the Automobile Club de Monaco for their close collaboration in helping us to produce such an exceptional television package for the 100th anniversary of the rally."

Anybody who missed the coverage of Bryan Bouffier's historic win for Peugeot can still view it on Eurosport Player, the channel's online live simulcast service.