Colin McRae: The Birth of a Legend in 1995

On September 15, 2007, the rally world lost one of its greatest figures: Colin McRae. In 1995, at the age of 27, the Scot became the youngest world champion in a discipline where experience is the key to winning. Between internal rebellion and strokes of genius, a look back at the advent of a separate pilot.

Published on 15/09/2022 à 13:02

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Colin McRae: The Birth of a Legend in 1995

Colin McRae (Subaru) during the 1995 Catalonia Rally, full of controversy. © DPPI

Article published in issue 2288 of November 25, 2020

The 2020 World Rally Championship season has only seven rounds due to the effects of Covid-19. To find traces of such a starving campaign, you have to go back 25 years. With only eight trips, the 1995 financial year promised to be frustrating for fans of rally. Due to a curious principle of rotation, the FIA relegated emblematic places like Finland and San Remo to the second division, reserved for two liters. Were we going to attend a cheap competition? This is a question that Colin McRae does not ask himself.

Besides, the Scot would do better to use his head more than his heart. Fast, it is still crumbly, and evil spirits give it the nickname “McRash”. Prodrive mechanics have become experts in tinkering with the release of the Subaru Legacy, then Impreza. “I have never liked this reputation as a “breaker”, because I find it undeserved”, will launch the person concerned at AUTOhebdo. Indeed, the potential is there, as evidenced by a strong end to the 1995 season, crowned with two successes in three starts! Convinced by the talent of his colt, David Richards ensures him a full year alongside a big name, Carlos Sainz.

Les règles farfelues de la FIA n’ont pas raison du Monte-Carlo. Colin McRae doit