History 1990s

1991 Tour de Corse – Rallye de France (Corsica)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1991 Tour de Corse – Rallye de France (Corsica)

Date: April 28 – May 1, 1991

Start Location: Ajaccio, Corsica

Finish Location: Ajaccio, Corsica

Total Distance: 591.30 km of special stages

Surface: Asphalt

The 1991 Tour de Corse saw Didier Auriol return to his best on the tarmac he knew so well. The winding island roads, often called “the rally of 10,000 corners,” demanded total precision and tire strategy mastery. Auriol’s confidence, commitment, and control in the Lancia Delta Integrale 16V made the difference, allowing him to dominate the rally and claim a highly emotional win in front of his home fans.

Route

Zicavo–Aullène: Long, tight tarmac run with rapid altitude swings and constant brake pressure.
Ponte-Leccia Region: Twisting cliffside stages with narrow margins and punishing stone walls lining the route.
Propriano to Sartène: Fast downhill sections alternating between open throttle and sharp braking—demanded peak pacenote timing.

Corsica’s stages were a relentless succession of hairpins, hill climbs, and descending switchbacks where rhythm and focus reigned supreme:

Dry weather allowed for aggressive compound choices, and Auriol’s tire gambles consistently paid off over his rivals.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Didier Auriol & Bernard Occelli · Lancia Delta Integrale 16V
2nd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
3rd Place
Franco Cunico & Sauro Farnocchia · Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 4x4

Auriol’s second consecutive Corsican victory highlighted his dominance on asphalt and kept Lancia’s hopes alive in the manufacturers’ race.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Endless Corners: Driver fatigue and brake wear added up quickly—Auriol’s experience allowed him to keep focus and pace.
  • Tire Heat Cycles: The frequency of braking and acceleration demanded precise pressure and compound selection for each loop.
  • Visibility Risks: Low light in tree tunnels and blind crests made pacenote perfection critical—mistakes were punished instantly.

The 1991 Tour de Corse was a shining moment for Didier Auriol—his command of asphalt was absolute, and his emotional win confirmed his role as one of rallying’s greatest tarmac specialists.

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