Tour de Corse in the World Rally Championship
France (Corsica)
WRC since 1973 (17th edition)
Surface: Asphalt
The Tour de Corse Rally, also known as the Rallye de France, is one of the most prestigious and challenging events in the world of motorsport. It began in 1956, quickly establishing itself as a key fixture in the rallying calendar. Held on the island of Corsica, the rally is renowned for its twisting, narrow roads that wind through the island's mountainous terrain, earning it the nickname "The Rally of 10,000 Corners."
The early years of the Tour de Corse were marked by the rally's ability to test drivers' precision and endurance. The island's rugged landscape, with its steep cliffs and sharp turns, created a demanding environment that required exceptional skill and concentration. The rally's reputation for difficulty and its scenic routes through Corsica's stunning countryside attracted both competitors and spectators, making it a beloved event in the rallying community.
In 1973, the Tour de Corse became part of the inaugural FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), further enhancing its international status. As a WRC event, it drew the world's best drivers and teams, who sought to conquer its uniquely challenging stages. The rally's inclusion in the WRC solidified its position as a premier event, characterized by its technical complexity and the beauty of its setting.
The stages of the Tour de Corse are legendary for their asphalt surfaces and the high level of precision required to navigate them. Unlike many other rallies that feature gravel or dirt, the smooth yet narrow roads of Corsica demand a different driving style, emphasizing careful handling and exacting control. The rally's combination of tight hairpins, fast straights, and unpredictable weather conditions further adds to its challenge.
Throughout its history, the Tour de Corse has been a platform for numerous dramatic moments and memorable victories. It has seen the triumphs of rallying legends who have mastered its intricate courses and unforgiving terrain. The rally's long-standing association with the WRC has allowed it to evolve with the sport, incorporating advancements in technology and changes in competition while maintaining its core identity.
The Tour de Corse Rally remains a symbol of rallying excellence, celebrated for its history, its demanding nature, and its breathtaking Corsican backdrop. It continues to be a highlight of the motorsport calendar, drawing top talent and enthusiastic fans to the island year after year.
Corsica rally best stages
The Tour de Corse Rally is renowned for its challenging stages, but the most iconic and celebrated is undoubtedly the "SS La Porta - Valle di Rostino" stage. This stage epitomizes the essence of the Tour de Corse, offering a combination of technical difficulty, breathtaking scenery, and a historical backdrop.
The La Porta - Valle di Rostino stage is famous for its winding roads and sharp hairpin turns, which test the drivers' precision and car control to the maximum. The stage's route weaves through the mountainous terrain of Corsica, characterized by its narrow asphalt roads that cling to the sides of steep hills and cliffs. The continuous sequence of corners, varying in speed and complexity, demands relentless focus and impeccable driving skills.
One of the most striking features of this stage is its elevation changes. Drivers must navigate steep ascents and descents, which add an extra layer of challenge and excitement. The changes in altitude not only affect the handling and performance of the cars but also provide stunning panoramic views of the Corsican landscape, making it a visual highlight for spectators and competitors alike.
The technical nature of the La Porta - Valle di Rostino stage requires a strategic approach, balancing speed with caution. The stage's narrow roads leave little room for error, and the slightest miscalculation can lead to significant time losses or even retirements. The combination of tight hairpins, fast straights, and blind corners means that drivers need to rely heavily on precise pacenotes and their co-drivers' expertise.
The unpredictable weather of Corsica can also play a crucial role in this stage. Rain can turn the tarmac slippery, while dry conditions can lead to dusty surfaces, both of which add to the complexity of the driving conditions. This variability means that teams must be prepared for a range of scenarios, further emphasizing the importance of adaptability and preparation.
The SS La Porta - Valle di Rostino stage is a definitive highlight of the Tour de Corse, embodying the rally's reputation for demanding, high-stakes competition set against the backdrop of Corsica's rugged beauty. It remains a favorite among drivers and fans, symbolizing the unique challenge and allure of the Corsican rally.
Corsica Rally winners
The Tour de Corse Rally has seen many legendary drivers claim victory, showcasing their exceptional skill and adaptability on Corsica's demanding roads. Some of the most distinguished winners include:
Bernard Darniche: The French driver is one of the most successful in the history of the Tour de Corse, with a record six victories (1970, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, and 1981). Darniche's mastery of the twisty, narrow roads and his consistency made him a dominant force in this rally.
Didier Auriol: Another French rally legend, Auriol won the Tour de Corse six times (1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1994, and 1995). His ability to navigate the challenging stages of Corsica with precision and speed solidified his reputation as one of the best tarmac drivers in rallying history.
Sébastien Loeb: Widely regarded as the greatest rally driver of all time, Loeb claimed victory at the Tour de Corse four times (2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008). His dominance during the mid-2000s, combined with his unparalleled skill on all surfaces, including the technical tarmac of Corsica, showcased his versatility and excellence.
Thierry Neuville: The Belgian driver has won the Tour de Corse twice (2017 and 2018), highlighting his adaptability and talent on the challenging Corsican roads. Neuville's victories are a testament to his precision driving and strategic acumen in handling the island's demanding stages.
Tommi Mäkinen: The Finnish rally driver, a four-time World Rally Champion, won the Tour de Corse in 1996. Mäkinen's victory on the tarmac stages of Corsica was a notable achievement in his illustrious career, demonstrating his capability to excel on diverse rally surfaces.
These drivers' successes at the Tour de Corse underscore their exceptional abilities to conquer one of the most technically demanding rallies in the World Rally Championship. Their victories are celebrated milestones in the rally's rich history, reflecting their skill, precision, and mastery of the challenging Corsican terrain.
Seasons in World Rally Championship
| 1973 |
Jean-Pierre
Nicolas
Sat 1st - Sun 2nd Dec
|
| 1974 |
Jean-Claude
Andruet
Sat 30th Nov - Sun 1st Dec
|
| 1975 |
Bernard
Darniche
Sat 8th - Sun 9th Nov
|
| 1976 |
Sandro
Munari
Sat 6th - Sun 7th Nov
|
| 1977 |
Bernard
Darniche
Sat 5th - Sun 6th Nov
|
| 1978 |
Bernard
Darniche
Sat 4th - Sun 5th Nov
|
| 1979 |
Bernard
Darniche
Fri 2nd - Sun 4th Nov
|
| 1980 |
Jean-Luc
Therier
Fri 24th - Sat 25th Oct
|
| 1981 |
Bernard
Darniche
Thu 30th Apr - Sat 2nd May
|
| 1982 |
Jean
Ragnotti
Thu 6th - Sat 8th May
|
| 1983 |
Markku
Alen
Thu 5th - Sat 7th May
|
| 1984 |
Markku
Alen
Thu 3rd - Sat 5th May
|
| 1985 |
Jean
Ragnotti
Thu 2nd - Sat 4th May
|
| 1986 |
Bruno
Saby
Thu 1st - Sat 3rd May
|
| 1987 |
Bernard
Beguin
Thu 7th - Sat 9th May
|
| 1988 |
Didier
Auriol
Tue 3rd - Fri 6th May
|
| 1989 |
Didier
Auriol
Sun 23rd - Wed 26th Apr
|
| 1990 |
Didier
Auriol
Sun 6th - Wed 9th May
|
| 1991 |
Carlos
Sainz
Sun 28th Apr - Wed 1st May
|
| 1992 |
Didier
Auriol
Sun 3rd - Wed 6th May
|
| 1993 |
François
Delecour
Sun 2nd - Tue 4th May
|
| 1994 |
Didier
Auriol
Thu 5th - Sat 7th May
|
| 1995 |
Didier
Auriol
Wed 3rd - Fri 5th May
|
| ... 1 year discontinued ... | |
| 1997 |
Colin
McRae
Mon 5th - Wed 7th May
|
| 1998 |
Colin
McRae
Sun 3rd - Wed 6th May
|
| 1999 |
Philippe
Bugalski
Fri 7th - Sun 9th May
|
| 2000 |
Gilles
Panizzi
Thu 28th Sep - Sun 1st Oct
|
| 2001 |
Jesus
Puras
Thu 18th - Sun 21st Oct
|
| 2002 |
Gilles
Panizzi
Thu 7th - Sun 10th Mar
|
| 2003 |
Petter
Solberg
Fri 17th - Sun 19th Oct
|
| 2004 |
Markko
Martin
Fri 15th - Sun 17th Oct
|
| 2005 |
Sebastien
Loeb
Fri 21st - Sun 23rd Oct
|
| 2006 |
Sebastien
Loeb
Fri 7th - Sun 9th Apr
|
| 2007 |
Sebastien
Loeb
Fri 12th - Sun 14th Oct
|
| 2008 |
Sebastien
Loeb
Fri 10th - Sun 12th Oct
|
| ... 6 years discontinued ... | |
| 2015 |
Jari-Matti
Latvala
Fri 2nd - Sun 4th Oct
|
| 2016 |
Sebastien
Ogier
Fri 30th Sep - Sun 2nd Oct
|
| 2017 |
Thierry
Neuville
Fri 7th - Sun 9th Apr
|
| 2018 |
Sebastien
Ogier
Fri 6th - Sun 8th Apr
|
| 2019 |
Thierry
Neuville
Fri 29th - Sun 31st Mar
|
| ... out of the WRC calendar 5 years ago. | |
