The 32nd edition of the Tour Auto began on April 17, 2023, offering some 236 participating teams a competition combining sport, tourism, and heritage. It recently concluded on April 22 on the Croisette in Cannes.
This journey through the most beautiful roads in France reveals a varied landscape between the Côte d'Or, Puy-de-Dôme, Drôme, Var, and Alpes-Maritimes. To kick off this extraordinary rally, competitors met in a privileged location in Paris, the Grand Palais Ephémère, and came together from all over the world for the traditional opening night.
Tuesday, April 18 – Stage 1 of 470 km between Paris and Beaune
For the official start of the Tour Auto, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte welcomed 236 cars. A good start to the longest stage of the rally! From the first day, the competitors tackled the rally's challenges by taking on a first timed test. This characteristic activity on the roads around Lake Vingeanne whetted their appetites for a sunny lunch at the Château de Bussy-Rabutin before heading to the Dijon-Prenois circuit. A large crowd came to admire the race drivers, such as Henri Pescarolo and Thierry Boutsen, as well as personalities such as Jean-Pierre Gagick and Dominique Chapatte. The day ended in Beaune, and the rankings already showed the first gaps.
Wednesday, April 19 – Stage 2 of 396 km between Beaune and Clermont-Ferrand
After weighing their car's full potential and limitations, the rivals left Beaune after a few late adjustments. On the agenda: a circuit race and two exciting special stages! The day began at the Blaise circuit, where thick fog didn't seem to bother the drivers. The rally continued on the Côte Mâconnaise with the first special stage, a real technical challenge for these classic cars. But one challenge often hides another, as later, the competitors set out to conquer the Côte Roannaise. The two special stages, between vineyards and mountains, delighted the drivers and co-drivers, who finished this long day in Clermont-Ferrand.
Thursday, April 20 – Stage 3 of 370 km between Clermont-Ferrand and Valence
At the start of the third day, the competitors prepared to tackle the Charade circuit, the most beautiful and only mountain circuit in France. The Charade circuit alternates between remarkable elevation changes and imposing walls, always offering a remarkable panorama to the competitors and spectators who come to the track in the early morning. And for good reason, since there was a great duel between Thierry Boutsen's Shelby Cobra (No. 201) and Emile Breittmayer's Ford GT40 (No. 216). The Charade circuit wasn't the only challenge of the day, as two technical special stages awaited the participants. First, the Pays de Montfaucon hosted a special race over 20 km, a rarity that saw a marked change in the ranking. The second special stage between Peyrus and Les Limouches was ultimately canceled due to weather. Despite the rain, the enthusiasm and collective competition continued, and the competitors gathered in Valence on the Champ de Mars esplanade!
Friday, April 21 – Stage 4 of 380 km between Valence and Circuit Paul Ricard
From the fourth day, traditionally when the grids are reversed, it was consistency that first attacked on the first special of the day in Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert. A name known to connoisseurs because it is the course of excellence used by major international gatherings. A major challenge put the competitors in difficulty as they rushed towards Mont Ventoux, which magnificently overlooks the second special of the day. The busy morning continued with lunch at the Abbaye Saint Eusebe in the heart of the Luberon, where the drivers and co-drivers enjoyed a snack while recovering under a radiant sun. A well-deserved rest before a circuit event, and not the easiest! The Paul Ricard circuit concluded the circuit events of the 2023 Tour Auto. The 5,8 km layout, very popular with the drivers, offered a beautiful setting for the Parc Fermé for the first time at the end of the fourth day's stage.
Saturday, April 22 – Stage 5 of 355 km of the Paul Ricard Circuit in Cannes
The Mediterranean has never been so close, but before reaching the Croisette, the competitors had to complete three stages interspersed with the classic picnic break! The sporting day shook up the standings, starting at Montounier, a short but very demanding event. The competitors then crossed the splendid landscapes of the Gorges du Verdon for a second special stage. Often used by the Monte Carlo Rally, it is very narrow and requires a lot of courage from the drivers to avoid making mistakes as they approach the finish line. The final special stage in the Pays de Fayence is as twisty as expected – also presenting a challenge for the drivers who cross it quickly but carefully before finally heading to Cannes! The 32e The edition ended Saturday evening on the unmissable Martinez beach, the pinnacle of the Côte d'Azur.
The winners of the 2023 Tour Auto
Competition Category... VHC : The Sébastien BERCHON / Sébastien BORDIER crew, aboard a 3.8 Jaguar E-Type 1963 (#203), took first place on the third day. The two Frenchmen are celebrating their first Tour Auto victory. / Group G : the Claudio RODDARO / Michel SPEYER crew aboard a 911 Porsche 2.3 1970L ST (#269), won this edition. / HI Group : the Olivier PERNAUT / Gerry BLYENBERG crew aboard a 2600 Ford Capri RS 1975 (#253) won this 32nd edition of the Tour Auto.
Regularity Category... VHC : the Éric HAMONIAU / Jérôme DUPART crew aboard an elegant 250 Ferrari 1963 GT Berlinetta Lusso (#76), won in its category. / Group G : The Argentinian crew Pedro SAN MARTIN / Hernan DIETRICH in a 911 Porsche 2.2 1970LS (#47) won the Tour Auto in its category. / HI Group : the French crew Mélanie ASTLES / Marc JAY, aboard a 1972 Lancia Fulvia HF (#74), won.
Patrick Koune
