History 1980s

1980 Tour de Corse – Rallye de France (France)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1980 Tour de Corse – Rallye de France

Date: October 24–25, 1980

Host Country: France (Corsica)

Surface: Asphalt

Total Distance: 1,128.10 km (competitive)

Total Starters: Approx. 85 crews

Total Finishers: 29 crews

The 1980 Tour de Corse delivered another relentless test of cornering rhythm, tire discipline, and co-driver precision. Known as the “Rally of 10,000 Corners,” this all-asphalt event wound tightly through the mountainous roads of Corsica with minimal room for error. Jean-Luc Thérier and Michel Vial brought the rear-engined Porsche 911 SC to the forefront, leveraging its balance and road-holding to fend off fierce competition and secure a dramatic and well-earned victory.

Route

Vico to Évisa: Technical hairpins, blind crests, and sudden braking zones on narrow roads above cliff edges.
Ponte Leccia Stages: Fast and flowing, but with treacherous drop-offs and harsh cambers in rapid succession.
Ajaccio Loops: Urban perimeter tarmac with unforgiving curbs and stage-end sprints through traffic-calmed zones.

The route circled the rugged Corsican interior, connecting coastal towns like Ajaccio, Corte, and Bastia with mountain villages via endless winding tarmac stages.

Dry and sunny conditions dominated the event, with cool mountain air keeping engine temps low but requiring frequent tire temperature management on the long asphalt descents.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Jean-Luc Thérier & Michel Vial · Porsche 911 SC
2nd Place
Bernard Darniche & Alain Mahé · Lancia Stratos HF
3rd Place
Guy Fréquelin & Jean Todt · Talbot Sunbeam Lotus

Thérier’s pinpoint accuracy and fearless commitment in the Porsche proved too much for the Stratos and Sunbeam challengers, earning Porsche a rare but memorable tarmac triumph in Corsica.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Corner Density: Minimal straights and relentless rhythm demanded absolute focus from both driver and co-driver.
  • Braking Management: Heat buildup in braking systems was a constant concern—conservative downhill pacing saved many from retirements.
  • Visual Fatigue: Constant cornering and visual processing led to driver exhaustion late in the event, especially in low-light stages.

The 1980 Tour de Corse was a masterclass in asphalt control—Jean-Luc Thérier’s performance stands as one of Porsche’s finest moments in rallying, etched into Corsica’s winding mountain roads.

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