History 1970s

1973 Rallye Sanremo (Italy)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 11º Rallye Sanremo

Date: October 10–13, 1973

Host Country: Italy

Surface: Mixed Asphalt / Gravel

Total Distance: 369.3 km (competitive)

Total Starters: 76 crews

Total Finishers: 32 crews

The 1973 Rallye Sanremo delivered one of the season’s most scenic and technically demanding challenges, weaving between the Ligurian coast and the Alpine foothills. Crews faced narrow tarmac mountain roads, flowing gravel sectors, and ever-changing grip levels. Jean-Luc Thérier and Jacques Jaubert executed a calm, consistent drive in their Alpine A110 to fend off rivals and claim another WRC victory for the French squad.

Route

Mountain Tarmac: Hairpin-heavy switchbacks on narrow roads tested braking precision and lateral grip.
Gravel Hill Climbs: Mid-stage surface shifts demanded flexible suspension setups and reactive throttle work.
Coastal Valleys: Sunlight and shade alternated frequently, affecting tire temperatures and visual clarity at speed.

Based out of the coastal town of Sanremo, the rally stretched into the Maritime Alps with rapid-fire transitions between twisty asphalt and flowing gravel.

Dry conditions across most of the rally allowed for confident driving, but early morning moisture on tarmac sections led to scattered early mistakes.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Jean-Luc Thérier & Jacques Jaubert · Alpine-Renault A110 1800
2nd Place
Walter Röhrl & Jochen Berger · Opel Ascona A
3rd Place
Raffaele Pinto & Arnaldo Bernacchini · Fiat 124 Abarth Rallye

Thérier’s surefooted drive across Italy’s unforgiving terrain reinforced his standing in the WRC title chase and kept Alpine on top of the manufacturers’ table late in the season.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Surface Transitions: Abrupt switches between tarmac and gravel made grip levels unpredictable mid-corner.
  • Elevation Changes: Frequent altitude shifts altered engine response and tire behavior.
  • Rhythm Maintenance: Alternating surfaces and curve types made finding and holding pace extremely challenging.

The 1973 Sanremo Rally was a test of adaptability and nerve—and Thérier’s command of the conditions proved decisive in extending Alpine’s dominance into the autumn stretch of the championship.

← Previous Event 1973 Österreichische Alpenfahrt (Austria)
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