Simon Jean-Joseph is back!

Triple French Rally Champion (Amateur in 1997, Super 1600 in 2003 and Terrestrial in 2011) and double European Champion (2004 and 2007), Simon Jean-Joseph will return to service for a rally on the occasion of Mont-Blanc Rally Morzine. The Martinican has not forgotten anything about his journey behind the wheel and even less the 1998 season. At the wheel of the legendary Subaru Impreza, the Martinican, navigated by his faithful co-driver since 1993, Patrick Pivato, had made life difficult for the teams of factory in addition to making the hearts of fans vibrate on the side of the roads: 3 victories including the Mont-Blanc Morzine, 7 podiums and the title of vice-champion at the finish.

The Subaru Impreza Group A in action at Mont-Blanc Morzine © DPPI

“I had the chance to experience great moments in motorsport during my career, but I must admit that this famous year 1998 was one of the most memorable,” remembers Simon Jean-Joseph. Some time ago, I had the somewhat crazy idea of ​​bringing together, for a weekend, some of the people who were by my side 25 years ago with the sole motto: the pleasure at the wheel of this legendary car, but also and above all to please the enthusiasts present on the edge of the special stages. The opportunity to have the car presented itself, I jumped at the chance. And then, I couldn't imagine it without Patrick at my side, or even the key players of the time: Graham Moore, David Campion, Frédéric Thalamy, Patrick Messina, Jean-Michel Claude and Sébastien Fassouli. Unfortunately, two of the technicians have since died, Vincent Gosset, and Renaud Banes. We pay tribute to them in the best way by participating in this event. In my competitive approach, this will be the first time that I take part in a rally without having a performance objective. My lack of driving skills and the age of the car won't allow it.

Simon Jean-Joseph and Patrick Pivato victorious at the foot of Mont-Blanc in 1998 © DPPI

Fortunately, this is really not the spirit of this beautiful project. My partners understood this and joined immediately, I thank them: Michelin, Motul, oOvango, Alp Racing Suspensions, Long Horn, Easydrift and Marina du Marin. » Back in the co-driver's seat after his serious accident at the Japan Rally in 2008, Patrick Pivato could not pass up the opportunity to relive the atmosphere of the race, just for one weekend: "This It will be with a lot of emotion that I go to Morzine at the beginning of September. Simon is someone I particularly appreciate and doing a “remake” of 1998 is just exceptional! This time was incredible with the whole team. I will also go with a little apprehension at the beginning, having not ridden since my accident in 2008 in WRC but I have total confidence in Simon and if there was a driver to allow me to get back into a rally car, it's him. Furthermore, the Mont-Blanc Rally is certainly the one I have competed in the most in my entire career and the story will be even more beautiful. »