Bernard Darniche

Darniche’s results speak for themselves — a specialist who could hold his own against the best in the world when conditions suited him. His flamboyance off the stage also helped build rallying’s image in the media-rich French market.

• Alpine-Renault A110: One of his early successes came in this agile, French-built rally icon.
• Lancia Stratos HF: Perhaps the car he is most associated with, particularly on asphalt rallies like Tour de Corse and Monte Carlo.
• Fiat 131 Abarth: Drove the potent Fiat on occasion, contributing valuable results in mixed-surface events.

Darniche thrived in cars with quick reflexes and sharp handling. The mid-engined Stratos was the perfect match for his tarmac precision and late-braking confidence.

Bernard Darniche was known for his confident, expressive style — both on and off the stages. He excelled in technical, twisty rallies, relying on rhythm and a deep connection to the road. He wasn't always the most cautious driver, but when conditions aligned, he was virtually unstoppable. His success helped elevate French rallying’s profile during a crucial decade, and his Tour de Corse dominance remains unmatched to this day.

Darniche’s most well-known co-driver was Alain Mahé, with whom he formed a consistent and trusting partnership. Their communication was especially critical on high-speed, high-precision events like Corsica and Monte Carlo. Darniche’s confidence in his pacenotes allowed him to push hard without hesitation — a trust that delivered numerous victories and enduring admiration from rally fans across Europe.