Fernando Alonso drives rare Audi Sport Quattro in Monaco

Fernando Alonso has been spotted behind the wheel of a rare Audi Sport Quattro in Monaco, continuing his winter tour of automotive legends. The two-time world champion, who recently extended his contract with Aston Martin through 2026, has been treating the principality's streets as a personal showroom for some of the world's most exclusive machinery, turning his break into a veritable concours d'elegance.

Why it matters:

Alonso's passion for historic and hyper-exclusive road cars highlights a deep appreciation for motorsport heritage that transcends his current Formula 1 commitments. For a driver known for his relentless pursuit of performance on track, his choice of machinery off track offers a fascinating glimpse into his respect for engineering excellence, regardless of the manufacturer's badge.

The details:

• The Group B Icon: The Audi Sport Quattro is a legendary homologation special built to satisfy FIA requirements for the brutal Group B rally era. Limited to just 214 units, it features a shorter wheelbase than the standard Ur-Quattro and utilizes composite body panels to reduce weight.
• Performance Specs: Powered by a 2.1-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine, it produces 306hp. In the mid-1980s, this was considered supercar territory, hitting 62mph in just 4.8 seconds thanks to the marque's impressive four-wheel-drive system.
• A Winter of Supercars: The Audi is just the latest in a series of high-profile spottings. Alonso was previously seen driving a Mercedes CLK GTR—a 622hp homologation special valued at over $4 million—as well as an Aston Martin Valiant and a new DBX S.
• Collector's Status: Whether these vehicles are permanent additions to his garage or temporary loans, the Spaniard is proving he has impeccable taste, bridging the gap between modern hypercars and rally history.

Looking ahead:

As the winter break continues, Alonso shows no signs of slowing down his driving adventures off the circuit. While his focus will inevitably shift to the 2025 F1 season and his role at Aston Martin, these recent appearances reinforce his status as one of the grid's true petrolheads.