Lucien Bianchi

While Bianchi is widely remembered for his 1968 Le Mans win, his rally career throughout the early 1960s established him as a complete driver across disciplines and surfaces.

• Citroën DS19: Legendary for its hydropneumatic suspension, Bianchi used the DS19 to master Corsica’s tight, uneven tarmac stages.
• Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint: A light and nimble machine used in his early rally starts, particularly in mixed-terrain events like Liège–Rome–Liège.
• Lancia Flavia: Rallied during the mid-'60s in selected events, particularly in snow and mountainous conditions.

Bianchi’s technical understanding allowed him to get the most out of complex machinery in both rally and endurance formats, often outperforming factory expectations.

Lucien Bianchi was known for his mechanical sympathy, fluid driving style, and willingness to push the envelope in long-format events. Whether threading through narrow Corsican roads or charging across Balkan gravel stages, he combined restraint with fearless speed. His rally success in the early '60s built his reputation before transitioning to full-time circuit and endurance racing.

Though his life was tragically cut short during testing for the 1969 24 Hours of Le Mans, Bianchi remains one of Belgium’s most respected and complete motorsport figures of the 20th century.

Bianchi partnered with a wide range of co-drivers across European rallies, most notably Georges Harris during his 1961 Tour de Corse victory. His calm communication and ability to manage pace over long distances made him highly compatible with diverse co-driving styles. He also excelled in team-based endurance events later in the decade, including his 1968 Le Mans win with Pedro Rodríguez.

His adaptability, professionalism, and calm under pressure made him a favorite among manufacturers and teammates alike — a legacy later echoed in the F1 career of his great-nephew Jules Bianchi.