History 1970s

1972 Tour de Corse (France)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1972 Tour de Corse

Date: November 4–5, 1972

Host Country: France

Surface: Asphalt

Total Distance: ~320 km

Total Starters: 82 crews

Total Finishers: 39 crews

The 1972 Tour de Corse lived up to its reputation as the “Rally of 10,000 Corners,” challenging drivers with constant cornering, minimal straights, and demanding tarmac stages across the mountainous Corsican landscape. Local hero Jean-Claude Andruet, alongside co-driver “Biche,” conquered the course with technical brilliance and the Alpine A110’s signature agility.

Route

Mountain Passes: Tight, undulating roads with constant elevation changes and relentless braking zones.
Coastal Stretches: Fast-paced cliffside sections with limited run-off and high-consequence corners.
Village Sections: Narrow urban transitions requiring razor-sharp handling and co-driver timing.

The route looped through the rugged hills and coastline of Corsica, incorporating steep climbs, cliffside switchbacks, and fast transitions between remote villages and forested ridgelines.

Cool autumn conditions made grip reliable, though early morning dew and leaves occasionally added slipperiness through shaded forest zones.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Jean-Claude Andruet & “Biche” · Alpine A110 1800
2nd Place
Bernard Darniche & Alain Mahé · Alpine A110 1600
3rd Place
Jean-Pierre Nicolas & Michel Vial · Peugeot 504

Andruet’s fluid cornering rhythm and “Biche’s” precise calls carried them to a standout victory, underlining the Alpine’s dominance on French tarmac in one of rallying’s most technical events.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Corner Density: Thousands of corners tested concentration, brake management, and tire wear across every stage.
  • Visibility Limits: Blind crests and narrow shoulders made co-driver notes critical for survival.
  • Tarmac Rhythm: Success hinged on maintaining flow through long technical sequences with minimal corrections.

The 1972 Tour de Corse was a pure driver’s rally, and Andruet’s victory showcased both his mastery of Corsican tarmac and the A110’s reign over technical rallying during the era.

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