History 1970s

1977 Tour de Corse (France)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 21ème Tour de Corse

Date: November 5–6, 1977

Host Country: France

Surface: Asphalt

Total Distance: ~1,200 km

Total Starters: Approx. 75 crews

Total Finishers: 26 crews

The 1977 Tour de Corse continued its reputation as one of rallying’s most grueling tarmac tests, with narrow roads, endless corners, and elevation changes pushing drivers to their limits. Bernard Darniche, partnered with Alain Mahé, took full advantage of the Lancia Stratos HF’s razor-sharp handling to dominate the Corsican stages and secure a commanding victory over his rivals.

Route

Ajaccio Region: Tight, technical loops with fast transitions and sudden elevation shifts.
Bastia–Corte Stages: Long, winding sections with minimal runoff and ever-changing tarmac grip.
Night Stages: Fog and limited lighting made Corsica’s already treacherous roads even more demanding after dark.

The rally looped across Corsica’s mountainous terrain, with countless hairpins, blind crests, and ridge-hugging routes through villages, valleys, and cliffsides.

Dry autumn weather offered mostly clear skies and consistent surface grip, though fallen leaves and shadows presented intermittent hazards throughout the route.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Bernard Darniche & Alain Mahé · Lancia Stratos HF
2nd Place
Jean-Pierre Nicolas & Michel Vial · Peugeot 504 Coupé V6
3rd Place
Antonio “Tony” Carello & Giuseppe Russo · Fiat 131 Abarth

Darniche’s relentless pace and Mahé’s flawless navigation gave Lancia another Tour de Corse crown—demonstrating the Stratos HF’s dominance on Europe’s most technical asphalt stages.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Pacenote Timing: Millimeter-accurate co-driver work was required across over a thousand corners per day.
  • Driver Fatigue: Long days with minimal margin for error taxed even the most experienced crews.
  • Brake Management: Continuous downhill sequences threatened fade and overheating—especially in heavier cars.

The 1977 Tour de Corse was a masterclass in asphalt precision—Darniche’s second victory on the island sealing his reputation as one of tarmac rallying’s all-time greats.

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