History 1970s

1978 Tour de Corse (France)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 22ème Tour de Corse

Date: November 4–5, 1978

Host Country: France

Surface: Asphalt

Total Distance: ~1,020 km

Total Starters: Approx. 80 crews

Total Finishers: 27 crews

The 1978 Tour de Corse was a true test of precision, endurance, and mental stamina. Known as the “Rally of 10,000 Corners,” the event wound through the mountainous interior and coastal cliffs of Corsica. Bernard Darniche, a specialist on tarmac and a Corsica veteran, took full advantage of the Lancia Stratos HF’s agility and power to dominate the field, delivering another iconic Tour de Corse win alongside Alain Mahé.

Route

Vizzavona Pass: Elevation changes, hairpins, and slick tarmac kept teams on edge.
Castagniccia Region: Twisting roads through dense chestnut forests offered zero room for error.
Ajaccio Loops: Fast but technical sections tested concentration as fatigue set in late in the rally.

Based in Ajaccio, the route took crews deep into the Corsican highlands with stages crisscrossing narrow, undulating mountain roads and coastal ridgelines.

Dry autumn weather made for consistent grip, though falling leaves and fine gravel occasionally added unpredictability to braking zones and tight corners.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Bernard Darniche & Alain Mahé · Lancia Stratos HF
2nd Place
Jean-Pierre Nicolas & Vincent Laverne · Peugeot 504 Coupé V6
3rd Place
Guy Fréquelin & Jacques Delaval · Opel Kadett GT/E

Darniche’s mastery of Corsican roads and the Stratos’ raw agility proved too much for the competition, extending his legacy on the island’s iconic rally tarmac.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Endless Corners: With few straights, co-drivers had to deliver notes rapidly and rhythmically without mistake.
  • Driver Fatigue: The intense mental load of constant cornering tested even the most seasoned competitors.
  • Minimal Margins: Guardrails were rare and ditches deep—precision was mandatory at all times.

The 1978 Tour de Corse solidified Bernard Darniche’s status as the king of Corsica, with a victory that showcased daring pace, mechanical confidence, and unmatched tarmac technique.

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