Here we go with the 26th edition!
It’s under way! The 26th edition of the Tour de Corse Historique gets started today, and the entry list is truly exceptional. The finish is scheduled for Saturday, after five stages, 1,000 km and 19 special stages.
At 11am this morning, Matthieu Fassio and Hugo Olivier (Porsche 911), last year’s VHC winners, will be the first to pass beneath the start arch in Calvi. Behind them is an impressive line-up: Julien Saunier (Renault 5 Maxi Turbo), Didier Auriol (Lancia Delta Integrale), Christophe Casanova (Porsche 911), Yoann Bonato (Lancia Delta Integrale), François Delecour (BMW M3), Raphaël Astier (Porsche 911), Philippe Gache (Porsche 911), Tom Pieri (BMW M3), John Buffum (Ford Escort Mk 2) and Bruno Saby (Porsche 911).
Yes, the field is exceptional. And what about the route? Five legs are on the programme, covering 1,000 km, including 413 km of timed sections spread across 19 special stages. The rally will reach its conclusion on Saturday 10 October at around 1pm.
Marie-Ange Dini, organiser: “We were expecting 447 cars at the start, but there will ultimately be 446. Considering the strike action that affected transport companies in recent days and complicated the arrival of several competitors, that is a relatively minor setback. I would like to warmly thank everyone who had to alter their travel plans, change carrier or travel via Italy in order to join us in Calvi. Now, it’s time to go racing!”
Matthieu Fassio, Porsche 911 No.1: “I’m going to frame this start sheet because carrying the No.1 on a field of this quality is simply incredible. Last year we won by taking advantage of a few retirements, including my father’s (Bertrand). In reality, we were one second per kilometre slower than the very best. This year, the goal is simply to keep closing the gap.”
Julien Saunier, Renault 5 Maxi Turbo No.2: “Last year, we arrived with a competitive car but one that lacked preparation in terms of reliability. Since then, we have solved many of the issues. We have notably removed quite a few modern components such as the power steering. We completed two preparation rallies that went very well. All the former Renault Sport staff gave me tremendous support, sometimes staying in the workshop until midnight. The engine comes from Formula 1, and getting it to run properly is almost witchcraft. The car is performing well and we are confident.”
Didier Auriol, Lancia Delta No.3: “We carried out several test sessions with the car. We are starting with settings that are completely different from those used back in the day, particularly because tyres and dampers have evolved significantly. We have put in place theoretical settings that seem satisfactory. I still need a little more seat time, but I am delighted to be here for what may be my final Tour de Corse Historique. This event brings back incredible memories. Will we be able to fight at the front? I honestly have no idea.”
Yoann Bonato, Lancia Delta No.6: “Didier played a decisive role at the start of my career, particularly in financial terms. It is a huge pleasure to share this adventure alongside him. The Lancia Delta was a dream car for me when I was a child. Taking the start of such a prestigious event behind its wheel is simply incredible. It is completely different from what I know in modern rallying. Normally, I feel like I’m going very fast without having to do much. With this car, it’s the opposite: I’m constantly busy, yet it feels as though I’m going slowly. I already loved the atmosphere during reconnaissance, and now I can’t wait for the competition to begin.”
Raphaël Astier, Porsche 911 No.10: “Fifty years separate the Porsche 911 I drive in the French Championship from the one I have here. There are definitely no paddle shifters on this one. It takes a little time to understand the car. The physical aspect is also important, with special stages of more than 40 kilometres and cars that demand total commitment. Fortunately, the Tour is a long event, giving us the chance to settle progressively into the rhythm. The car is well prepared and nicely balanced. I am delighted to be taking part in this rally, something I have been considering for several years. With a field of this quality, it is simply fantastic.”
Tom Pieri, BMW M3 No.12: “The BMW M3 was a dream car for me when I was young. I grew up watching onboard footage from Hugues Delage, François Chatriot and Bernard Béguin. It is a really enjoyable car to drive. The fact that it is rear-wheel drive with the engine mounted at the front gives it a very light rear end, making it particularly enjoyable to slide around. We also have a dog-engagement gearbox that allows extremely quick gear changes, even with an H-pattern shift. And then there’s the sound. The straight-six revs beyond 9,000 rpm. It’s magnificent. Cars like that simply no longer exist. We’ll try to entertain the spectators, but not too much, because we also need to set some good times!”
John Buffum, Ford Escort No.337: “When I was a factory driver for Audi and Triumph, I only competed in gravel rallies because I learnt the sport in America, where we do not race on asphalt. I therefore never had the opportunity to come to Corsica before the 2024 edition. This year I’m back as a co-driver. That’s the wiser option at 83 years old. Bruno Saby feels young standing next to me! The atmosphere in the start village is fantastic.”
Bruno Saby, Porsche 911 No.356: “I won here 40 years ago with the fabulous Peugeot 205 T16 E2. The memory is inevitably mixed because Henri Toivonen and Sergio Cresto lost their lives during that edition. Today I compete in regularity, which is more sensible at my age. The remarkable momentum behind the Tour de Corse Historique delights me. It is incredible to relive exactly the same atmosphere as in those days. The field is exceptional. This edition will be fantastic.”
