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Michèle Mouton, born on June 23, 1951, in Grasse, France, is a true motorsport legend. She was the first, and so far the only, woman to win a round of the World Rally Championship, a feat she achieved four times. In an era when the world of motorsport was almost exclusively reserved for men, Mouton broke the mold, defying stereotypes and proving that talent and determination know no gender.

The Beginnings of a pioneer

From a young age, Michèle showed a passion for cars. At 14, she was already driving her father’s Citroën 2CV around the French Riviera, hinting at a future tied to speed. However, her entry into rallying was almost by chance. In 1972, she accompanied driver Jean Taibi to the Tour de Corse Rally as a spectator, but she was so fascinated that she decided to take the co-driver's seat. The following year, she debuted at the Monte Carlo Rally, but soon her father advised her to take the wheel herself, and thus began one of the most brilliant and revolutionary careers in motorsport history.

The road to glory

Mouton began to shine in European competitions between 1974 and 1976, driving an Alpine A110 and later an A310. In 1977, she achieved her first major victory at the RACE Rally of Spain behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 RS, a milestone that positioned her as a promising talent in the world of rallying. Her real breakthrough came in 1981 when Audi signed her to drive the revolutionary Audi Quattro, a four-wheel-drive car known for being nearly untamable. The decision was criticized by many who believed hiring a woman to drive such a machine was more of a publicity stunt than a genuine investment in talent. But Mouton silenced all critics when she won the San Remo Rally, becoming the first woman to win a World Rally Championship event. From that moment on, her nickname “The Queen of Speed” began to resonate strongly.

A legendary season and personal struggles

In 1982, alongside her co-driver Fabrizia Pons, Mouton pushed her driving skills to the limit. She won three more rallies: Portugal, Acropolis, and Brazil. She was in top form, competing side by side with the best drivers in the world and was the favorite to win the World Championship. However, an accident at the Ivory Coast Rally cost her the title, and more painfully, during the competition, she received the tragic news of her father’s death, her greatest support and mentor. Although she didn’t win the championship, she finished as runner-up, achieving the highest position ever for a woman in rally history.

Beyond rallying

Although her career in the World Rally Championship didn’t result in a world title, Mouton continued to achieve success. In 1985, she competed in the legendary Pikes Peak Hill Climb in the United States, where she became the first woman and the first non-American to win, also breaking the speed record. Driving an Audi Quattro Sport, she overcame challenging conditions and proved that her talent knew no bounds.

In 1986, Mouton won the German Rally Championship with a Peugeot 205 T16, but after the ban on Group B cars, she decided to retire from professional racing. However, her influence on motorsport did not end there.

Legacy and inspiration

Michèle Mouton not only left an indelible mark on the tracks but also became a tireless advocate for the role of women in motorsport. In 2009, she was appointed president of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission, where she has worked to promote equal opportunities in the sport. Mouton has always rejected the idea of creating an exclusively female category in motorsport, arguing that with the right training, men and women can compete on equal terms.

Additionally, she co-founded the “Race of Champions”, an annual event that brings together the world’s best drivers, in memory of her friend Henri Toivonen. Through these initiatives, she continues to promote female participation in a sport traditionally dominated by men.

The Queen of Speed remains an icon

Today, Michèle Mouton is remembered not only for her daring and speed but also for her unshakable character. In a world where many said women couldn’t compete, she proved that they not only could compete but could win, and win big. Her famous quote, “I prefer a perfect right foot to a pretty face,” sums up her attitude towards motorsport: what matters is talent, not gender.

With a career full of success, challenges, and broken barriers, Michèle Mouton has inspired generations of women to follow in her footsteps and push boundaries, both in motorsport and in life. The Queen of Speed remains an icon of motorsport, a pioneer who paved the way for all those who dream of conquering the tracks at full throttle.