The week-long 2013 Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique came to an end in Monaco on Friday, February 1. The 5 Berlinettes entered by Renault Classic all completed the rally, with 3 of them making it into the top 100 (from 300 entries). Jean-Claude Andruet and ‘Biche’, winners of the Rallye Monte-Carlo in 1973, finished 24th overall, despite contesting the ‘historic’ version of the world famous rally for the very first time.
Although it was their maiden attempt at a so-called ‘regularity’ event, the ever-competitive Andruet was angry with himself at the finish after making a mistake during the Final Night’s Turini loop. Even so, at the age of 73, he and his delightful lady co-driver ‘Biche’ can be proud of their performance.
In addition to the strong showings of the Team Renault Classic cars, other Alpines secured enviable results on the 16th Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique, including a resounding triumph for the brand thanks to outright winners Gérard Brianti/Sébastien Chol (Group 4 Alpine A110 1800) and second-placed Jean-Pierre Coppola/Olivier Sussiot (four-cylinder Alpine A310).
Alpine’s one-two finish in the Principality couldn’t have been better timed since it comes just months after the announcement of the brand’s revival.
The last competitors crossed the finish line at around four o’clock, Friday morning. After a short rest, however, the crews of the five Team Renault Classic cars headed out the same afternoon to La Bollène Vésubie – the village at the foot of the climb to the Col du Turini – to treat media and VIP guests to an unforgettable ride in their respective Berlinettes up to the celebrated mountain pass! lady co-driver ‘Biche’ can be proud of their performance.
"The Alpine is the most enjoyable car ever. No other car is this much fun. It’s a sheer delight. I hadn’t driven an Alpine since the days when I won the Rallye Monte-Carlo, but it felt like an extraordinary toy in the mountains this week. Its efficiency was truly astonishing." - Jean-Claude Andruet
Photos from the rally
Starting line in Reims, January 27.
The 5 Renault Classic teams, in Dieppe, where the Alpine myth was born.
Final positions (Teams Renault Classic)
24th Jean-Claude Andruet/'Biche' (#18 A110 1600S)
72nd Alain Serpaggi/Jean-Pierre Prévost (#21 A110 1300)
76th Carlos Tavares/Jean Pascal Dauce (#15 A110 1300)
165th Jean Ragnotti/Francis Mercier (#36 Group 4 A110 1800)
237th Jean-Vinatier/Jean-François Jacob (#1 A110 1300)
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