He started racing in 1930 and entered his first Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo in 1931, finishing 11th with his team mate, driving a Dodge Victory Six.
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He entered the 1934 and 1935 Monte Carlo Rallies, finishing 18th and 15th driving in both races a modified Ford V8.
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After these progresses, Cristea, together with Ionel Zamfirescu, a motorcycling champion, decided to modify a Ford V8 in order to attempt a top finish in the 1936 Monte Carlo Rally.