History 1970s

1972 Rallye Costa Brava (Spain)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1972 Rallye Costa Brava

Date: February 1972

Host Country: Spain

Surface: Asphalt

Total Distance: N/A

Total Starters: 61 crews

Total Finishers: 37 crews

The 1972 Rallye Costa Brava was a showcase of technical tarmac rallying along Spain’s northeast coast. The event was known for its flowing mountain roads, tight village turns, and fast transitions through the Catalonian countryside. A strong French and Iberian presence made the event highly competitive, with narrow margins separating the top crews.

Route

Mountain Passes: Long climbs and descents with sharp switchbacks demanded aggressive braking and throttle modulation.
Coastal Roads: Exposed cliffside runs offered spectacular views—and zero forgiveness for mistakes.
Urban Stages: Tight streets and abrupt elevation changes in Catalan villages tested car balance and co-driver accuracy.

Stages wound through the scenic and challenging terrain of Girona province, from the Mediterranean coastline to the forested foothills of the Pyrenees.

Dry weather favored nimble machines like the Alpine, though dust and tire wear remained a concern in longer loops.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Bernard Darniche & Alain Mahé · Alpine A110 1600
2nd Place
Salvador Cañellas & Jorge Babler · SEAT 1430
3rd Place
José María Fernández & Pedro Ferrer · Porsche 911 S

Darniche’s confident pace and Mahé’s precision guidance made for an unbeatable combination on tight tarmac, with the Alpine A110’s lightness and agility shining on every hairpin and descent.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Technical Cornering: Sequences of hairpins and off-camber turns left no margin for braking hesitation.
  • Tire Management: Long stage loops required careful balance between grip and wear over heat-cycled rubber.
  • Precision Driving: Even small timing errors or sloppy exits could cost seconds on such a fast and flowing layout.

The 1972 Rallye Costa Brava demonstrated the A110’s continued dominance on tarmac, and gave Darniche a well-earned early season victory in one of Spain’s most celebrated rallies.

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