Compromised Internals

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

The 1965 Rallye Lyon–Charbonnières maintained its reputation as one of France’s premier tarmac events. Known for its flowing, technical roads through the Beaujolais and Lyonnais regions, the rally blended regional charm with national competition and played a key role in the European Rally Championship calendar. The event rewarded driver precision, smooth car control, and strategic tire and pace management.

Route

Total Distance: ~1,200 kilometers

Surface: Predominantly tarmac with elevation changes and off-camber curves

Notable Features: Narrow lanes, damp early-season leaf cover, blind hairpins

The rally route wound westward from Lyon through vineyard-laced hills, shaded forests, and elevation-rich asphalt stages. Despite relatively short special stages, variable spring conditions—particularly rain and damp leaves—turned the high-grip tarmac into a confidence test at speed.

Visibility and grip were inconsistent in shaded sections, and drivers had to stay on rhythm to avoid costly errors in technical sectors.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner

—

2nd Place

—

3rd Place

—

Navigation & Challenges

Though not the longest rally of the season, the 1965 Lyon–Charbonnières tested the synergy between driver and co-driver. Mistakes in pacenotes or rhythm cost dearly on narrow, time-controlled segments where recovery opportunities were limited.

Pace Note Precision: Required flawless co-driver rhythm and timing on blind crests and technical descents
Weather Adaptation: Quick tire strategy shifts helped in handling intermittent spring showers and grip inconsistency
Penalties: Tight time controls and minimal service intervals punished delays or early arrivals equally

The 1965 edition reaffirmed Lyon–Charbonnières as a cornerstone of European tarmac rallying—where finesse, not fury, made champions.

← Previous Event 1965 Rallye DDR – Pneumant Rallye (East Germany)

Back to Events Index

1965 Rallye de Lorraine Next Event →