Michèle Mouton

Mouton became a symbol of empowerment and perseverance, breaking barriers in one of the world’s most dangerous and male-dominated sports.

• Audi Quattro A1/A2: Her primary competition cars during her WRC-winning years, taking advantage of turbocharged power and AWD technology.
• Fiat 131 Abarth: Used in earlier ERC and national events, helping her rise to international recognition.

Mouton’s technical feedback was instrumental in refining Audi’s revolutionary Quattro system. She adapted quickly to turbo lag and traction dynamics, often outperforming male rivals in tricky conditions.

Fearless, fluid, and fiercely intelligent, Mouton mastered the balance between aggression and mechanical preservation. She was especially skilled on twisty tarmac stages and loose surfaces alike. Her historic 1982 title fight against Walter Röhrl brought her international acclaim, and her leadership in later years cemented her status as a motorsport icon and change-maker.

Mouton’s long-standing partnership with co-driver Fabrizia Pons was one of the most cohesive in WRC history. Their bond and communication were key to their consistent stage execution, and they became role models for professionalism and composure under pressure. Together, they proved that precision and trust were just as important as raw speed.