Didier Auriol
01
Key Facts & Achievements
Name
Didier Auriol
Nationality
French
Date of Birth
18.08.1958
WRC Titles
1 (1994)
WRC Wins
20
WRC Podiums
53
WRC Starts
153
WRC Stage Wins
553
Last WRC Event
Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo 2005
Didier Auriol
© WRC
02
Career Summary
French rally legend Didier Auriol became his country’s first World Rally Champion in 1994, marking a historic milestone for French motorsport and paving the way for a new generation of talent.
Born in Montpellier in 1958, Auriol began his rallying journey in the early 1980s, quickly earning a reputation for his precision and speed on asphalt. His breakthrough came with Lancia, where he secured his maiden WRC victory at the 1988 Tour de Corse. A master of Tarmac rallies, he would go on to dominate the Corsican event with six victories across his career.
In 1993, Auriol joined Toyota and immediately made an impact, winning that year’s Rallye Monte-Carlo. The following season saw him achieve his ultimate goal. Driving the Celica Turbo 4WD, Auriol mounted a consistent and composed title campaign, which culminated at Rally GB. Despite not winning the event, he secured the championship after rival Carlos Sainz slid off the road on the final day - sealing Auriol’s place in history as France’s first WRC champion.
Over the course of his career, Auriol claimed 20 WRC victories while driving for some of the sport’s most iconic teams, including Lancia, Toyota, Subaru, and Peugeot. His meticulous approach and silky-smooth car control became trademarks, allowing him to push at the limit without taking unnecessary risks.
After Toyota’s withdrawal from the championship at the end of 1999 - a season in which he finished third overall - Auriol continued competing with SEAT and Peugeot before a final season with Škoda Motorsport in 2003.
A true gentleman of the sport, Auriol’s calm demeanour and ability to conquer the most demanding asphalt rallies earned him widespread respect and a permanent place among rallying’s greats.
Carlos Sainz and Didier Auriol, 1999
© WRC
