In December, Sébastien Ogier secured the eighth World Cup title of his career.
This year, the 38-year-old only drives selected competitions in the World Rally Championship and will invest in track racing in parallel.
He is expected to present his full plan in February.
Last year, Ogier secured his eighth victory in the Monte Carlo rally, the most victories of all in the legendary rally.
The rally is known for its varied weather and extremely difficult distances, but this year it is dry on the roads, snow and ice shine with its absence.
- It is the driest Monte Carlo I have ever seen but we also know that it can change quickly so I definitely have to be careful.
Then Monte Carlo is never easy even if it looks very dry.
There are always places that can be damp, maybe frost and when you drive on "slicks" it is always tricky.
This year's World Cup premiere is also the starting shot for the new regulations with hybrid technology.
- I do not think that Monte Carlo is easier when it is like this but it is very much new this year with the cars so it will be interesting to see how everything goes.
It is very difficult to know, says Ogier.
Ogier has had four test days in the new car and he is looking forward to now being able to test it in competition, at the same time there is still a lot to learn.
- Nobody really knows who has done the best job so far, so the beginning of the rally will be interesting to start understanding the differences between the cars.
The Monte Carlo rally contains 17 special stages and just over 296 full-speed kilometers await before the winner is crowned on Sunday afternoon down in Monaco.
Follow the first special stretch from the Monte Carlo rally live on SVT tonight starting at 20:00 on SVT24 or on SVT Play.
Expert Kruse on the opening leg in Monte Carlo: "Anything can happen - really tough start"