Corsica History

Rallye de France-Tour de Corse was first run on the 17th and 18th of December in 1956. On this year, of the 43 competitors to take the start, only 24 succeeded in crossing the finish line. Winners of the rally were the all-lady crew of Gilberte Thirion and Nadège Ferrier driving a Renault Dauphine.

The following year, the event becomes part of the National Grand Tourism Championship, and in parallel stands the first edition of the Isle of Beauty's rally, won by team Altieri-Calizzi on board a Triumph TR3.

When the World Championship for Manufacturers was created in 1973, the heart of the motor sports authorities swings between the "Tour de France" and the "Tour de Corse". Finally, the "Tour de Corse" is chosen.

In 1979, the International Federation for Automotive Sports (the FISA) creates the World Rally Championship for Drivers, integrating the "Tour de Corse" in its schedule. This same year Bernard Darniche wins his fifth event in Corsica while Björn Waaldegard becomes the new world rally champion.

The first years of the 21st century have been marked by the domination of French drivers or cars, with Bernard Darniche and Didier Auriol becoming the drivers with the most victories.

In 2004, Sébastien Loeb becomes world rally champion for the first time in Corsica. The next year he wins his first Tour de Corse, scoring fastest times on all stages.