The motorsport world is abuzz with excitement as Didier Auriol, the 1994 World Rally Champion, prepares to return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) after nearly two decades away from the competition. Now aged 66, the French rallying legend is set to compete in the final round of the 2024 WRC in Japan, marking his first start since 2005.
Auriol’s comeback is not just a nostalgic celebration of his 1994 championship victory but a demonstration of his undying passion for rallying. He will pilot a Toyota GR Yaris, participating in the event’s national category, alongside co-driver Denis Giraudet. Auriol and Giraudet have shared numerous adventures over the years, adding an emotional dimension to this reunion on Japanese soil.
Reflecting on his career and the rally scene that has evolved dramatically since his time at the top, Auriol’s participation brings both history and excitement to fans. His return also serves as a symbolic nod to his remarkable 1994 title win, where he became the first Frenchman to clinch the WRC crown, driving a Toyota Celica.
A career steeped in glory
Didier Auriol is one of the most accomplished figures in rally history, with 20 WRC event victories under his belt, making him a force to be reckoned with throughout the 1990s. Known for his smooth, calculated driving style, Auriol’s versatility across asphalt and gravel stages made him a consistent front-runner across multiple seasons.
His greatest achievement came in 1994, when he conquered a fiercely competitive field to capture the World Rally Championship title. Auriol’s championship win broke new ground, marking the first time a French driver stood atop the rallying world—a historic feat that paved the way for future French champions such as Sébastien Loeb and Sébastien Ogier.
Memorable rally moments and stand-out performances
Auriol’s rallying career is peppered with unforgettable moments. His mastery on tarmac rallies, in particular, earned him a reputation as one of the best asphalt specialists of his era. His victories at iconic events like the Monte Carlo Rally and the Tour de Corse cemented his status as a true rallying great.
One of his standout performances came at the 1992 Monte Carlo Rally, where he clinched victory in treacherous conditions, showcasing his unparalleled car control. That year, he also delivered an exceptional run at the Tour de Corse, winning in front of his home crowd—further proof of his dominance on French soil. Auriol’s performance in Sanremo and Catalunya were equally brilliant, where he showcased his ability to adapt to varying surfaces and maintain his composure under immense pressure.
The 1994 season, however, was the defining chapter in his career. Competing for Toyota Team Europe, Auriol faced stiff competition from the likes of Carlos Sainz and Juha Kankkunen but remained consistent across the calendar. A thrilling win at the Rallye Sanremo that year was pivotal in securing the points he needed to edge out his rivals for the title.
Beyond his title-winning season, Auriol made headlines throughout his career by participating in some of the WRC’s most gruelling events. His victories in challenging rallies such as the Rally Argentina and Rally New Zealand demonstrated his adaptability across continents and varying climates. The 1995 Rally Australia was another feather in his cap, where he battled fierce competition to claim the top spot in unpredictable conditions.
In 1997, Auriol made waves when he switched to Peugeot for their WRC return, contributing to the development of the now-iconic Peugeot 206 WRC. Though the results didn’t always reflect his efforts, Auriol’s involvement was pivotal in shaping the car’s competitiveness in future seasons.
His final WRC seasons were spent with Škoda, where he endeavoured to push the limits of the Fabia WRC against more established competitors. Despite not securing further wins during this chapter, Auriol’s relentless spirit and love for the sport were evident in every kilometre he drove.
A Return Rooted in Legacy and Passion
Auriol’s upcoming return to the WRC in Japan is a heartfelt celebration of his illustrious career and a chance for fans to witness a legend back in action. For Auriol, the event serves as a way to reconnect with the sport that defined much of his life, this time driving a modern Toyota GR Yaris—a fitting tribute to his championship-winning past with Toyota.
Although he won’t be competing for overall victory, Auriol’s presence in the Japanese round will undoubtedly be a highlight of the season finale. His participation is a reminder that rallying, at its core, is as much about passion and dedication as it is about winning. With Denis Giraudet in the co-driver’s seat, fans can expect a performance that reflects the class and experience of one of rallying’s finest.
Didier Auriol’s story comes full circle, and his presence in Japan will mark not just a return to the sport but also a celebration of thirty years of rallying legacy. For those who followed his career, it’s a moment to relish—and for a new generation of fans, an opportunity to witness a legend take to the stages once more.