History 1960s

1963 Rallye Lyon-Charbonnières-Stuttgart-Solitude

Overview

The 1963 Rallye Lyon–Charbonnières–Stuttgart–Solitude was a unique Franco-German event that merged classic French road rallying with German circuit-stage precision. As part of the European Rally Championship calendar, it challenged crews to navigate between cultures, surfaces, and driving philosophies—combining tarmac rally stages with a finale on the historic Solitude Ring near Stuttgart.


Route

Total Distance: Approximately 1,200 kilometers
Surface: Primarily tarmac, with road rally sections and a closed circuit finale
Special Feature: Timed laps on the Solitude Ring (11.4 km), featuring high-speed corners and elevation changes

The rally began in Lyon and passed through Charbonnières-les-Bains before heading northeast through Alsace and into Germany. It concluded with a circuit-style special stage at the Solitude Ring, demanding both navigation finesse and racing precision.

Drivers had to be quick to adapt between narrow rally roads and the smoother, faster rhythm of a racetrack—an unusual hybrid for its time.


🏆 Results

Overall Winner
2nd Place
3rd Place

Navigation & Challenges

Crews needed sharp timing and communication to balance roadbook accuracy with circuit precision. The contrast in stage formats demanded flexibility from both drivers and co-drivers.

  • Cross-Discipline Mastery: Crews had to alternate between stage rally instincts and track racing strategy.
  • Navigation Consistency: Early segments required impeccable navigation to stay within timing limits.
  • Transition Timing: The switch to circuit conditions tested brake performance and pit lane readiness.

The 1963 edition of Lyon–Charbonnières–Stuttgart–Solitude stands as one of rallying’s boldest experiments—bridging two nations, two formats, and one unforgettable challenge.

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