Jean-Claude Andruet

While not a championship regular due to his volatile form, Andruet was a threat at every rally he entered. His highs were extraordinary, and his name remains etched in WRC history as the sport’s first event winner.

• Alpine-Renault A110: His most iconic car, used to devastating effect in the snow and tarmac of the Monte Carlo Rally.
• Lancia Stratos HF: Drove for the Italian marque with great pace on tight tarmac rallies, often battling for stage wins.
• Fiat 131 Abarth: Competed with strong performances in select late-1970s events with the powerful RWD platform.

Andruet was deeply involved in tuning and pushing his machinery to the limit. He excelled in mid-engine setups and aggressive turn-in behavior, which suited his no-holds-barred driving approach.

Andruet’s style was fearless, emotional, and on the edge. When in sync with his car and co-driver, he was blisteringly fast. When misaligned, crashes or mechanical failures often followed. Despite this volatility, his legacy is one of pure passion — a driver who wore his heart on his sleeve and refused to back down. He helped give rallying its theatrical flair in the early WRC years and remains a cult figure in France.

Andruet frequently raced with co-driver “Biche” (Michèle Espinosi-Petit), forming one of the most iconic male-female pairings in rally history. Their emotional chemistry and intense communication were legendary. While this sometimes led to high drama, it also resulted in remarkable stage performances when everything clicked. Andruet’s commitment to his team was fierce, and his loyalty to Alpine and Lancia remains a highlight of his career.