Jean-Claude Andruet

Andruet’s late-1960s form secured his position within the Alpine works team and marked him as a future international contender heading into the WRC era.

• Renault 8 Gordini: Andruet’s early-career vehicle, which he used to earn domestic wins and gain recognition in the French rally scene.
• Alpine A110: The lightweight rear-engine coupe that became Andruet’s trademark car, especially on tight mountain stages in Corsica and the Alps.

His fluid driving style was a perfect match for the Alpine A110’s agility, and he played a key role in proving its capabilities in French and European competition before its WRC dominance in the 1970s.

Jean-Claude Andruet specialized in high-grip, high-precision tarmac stages. His style emphasized clean racing lines, optimal braking points, and smooth weight transfer — traits that made him a consistent threat in endurance rallies. Though less flamboyant than some rivals, he was known for methodical preparation, mental resilience, and a deep technical understanding of his machinery. His success in the late 1960s positioned him as one of the cornerstones of France’s rallying ascent.

He would go on to win the inaugural WRC Monte Carlo Rally in 1973, but his roots and identity as a driver were forged during the competitive crucible of the 1960s.

Andruet worked with several co-drivers during the late 1960s, often partnering with Michele Petit, and later with Michele Espinosi-Petit — better known by her nickname "Biche." Their collaboration became iconic in the 1970s, but its foundation was laid in the late ’60s, where trust and synchronization were honed during tight domestic competitions.

Their communication and tactical precision set a new standard for rally teamwork, especially on complex tarmac stages where note accuracy and timing were critical to success.