Rally
Happy birthday Jean-Claude Andruet! A look back at his 1973 Monte-Carlo exploit
L'Alpine A 110 won its first World Cup success thanks to Andruet-"Biche". Photo DPPI
Jean-Claude Andruet, here is a name forever attached to the beginnings of the World Rally Championship. Nicknamed “La Panique”, the native of Montreuil was in fact one of the Musketeers trained by Alpine during the inaugural season of the World Cup, in 1973. He notably won a Rally Monte-Carlo was an anthology that year, with the legendary Berlinette A110.
ALSO READ > The adventure ofAlpine At 110 in rally
Associated with Michèle Espinosi-Petit, alias “Biche”, Jean-Claude Andruet takes a hat-trick Alpine, ahead of Ove Andersson-Jean Todt and Jean-Pierre Nicolas-Michel Vial. This 42nd edition of Monte-Carlo was marked by a bitter duel on the night of Turini. Then in the lead, Jean-Claude Andruet punctured a tire. The Frenchman chose to continue his journey as best he could, for 18 km, without replacing his wheel. He lost his place to Andersson, who had a one-minute lead before the final three stages.
At the cost of a constant attack, his Alpine in incessant sliding, Jean-Claude Andruet pulls up his teammates from the blue clan at the last minute! “Biche” was completely overwhelmed. “I have never seen a car go so fast,” declared the first victorious co-driver at this level. We were literally flying. It was incredible, Jean-Claude was unleashed.
The smallest mistake would have propelled us into the scene. He didn't do any. This is the kind of stroke of genius that Andruet has the secret of. » Although he left for Lancia immediately, Andruet played his part in obtaining the Marques title withAlpine at the end of the year.
Medhi Casaurang
Passionate about the history of motorsport across all disciplines, I learned to read thanks to AUTOhebdo. At least that's what my parents tell everyone when they see my name inside!
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