Renault Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz will drive the VIP course car for the final 13.5km stage of the Monte Carlo Rally on Sunday it has been revealed.

Son of double WRC champion and recent winner of the Dakar Rally Carlos Sainz Sr., it will mark the Spaniard's first foray into rallying at an event his father won at three times during his 18-year career.

Speaking of the opportunity, the 23-year-old said: “I’m really looking forward to experiencing Rallye Monte-Carlo for the first time.

“I’ve heard so much about it from my dad, how difficult the stages are, how the conditions can change in an instant from snow to rain or bright sunshine and of course how you need nerves of steel for some of those mountain passes and hairpins!"

Though the official role of the course car is to inspect the stage route before the WRC competitors go flat out, Sainz, who has been with Renault on loan from the Red Bull stable since October, isn't going to hold back.

“It’s going to be a real thrill to take part in such a legendary event behind the wheel of a Renault Mégane R.S, which will be fitted with snow and studded tyres so I can get a more complete sensation of rallying around these stages,” he added.