Serendipitously, Michèle Mouton raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans just a few days before turning 24. She took the wheel of a Moynet prototype, powered by a Simca ROC engine and entered in the two-litre prototype class. The all-women's team she formed with Christine Dacremont and Marianne Hoepfner enjoyed a flawless race and crossed the finish line of this, the 43rd running of the prestigious 24-hour race, in 21st position, taking victory in their class.

Michèle made another prominent appearance at the Circuit de la Sarthe in 2010, when she announced the formation of a commission devoted to women in motor sport on the initiative of Jean Todt, FIA president since late 2009. The press conference was held in the hospitality pavilion of Matech Competition, who entered the last all-women's team seen at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (so far) in 2010. Rahel Frey, Cyndie Allemann and Natacha Gachnang started the race in a Ford GT but were unfortunately forced to retire.

In the meantime, Michèle Mouton had turned to rally driving, where she added a few pages to Audi's story. In the early 1980s, the four-ring brand was a pioneer, claiming the first victory for a four-wheel drive car in the discipline. Alongside co-driver Fabrizia Pons, Michèle made history at the 1981 Sanremo Rally when, at the wheel of an Audi Quattro, she became to the first woman (and the only one to date) to win a leg of the World Rally Championship. She enjoyed similar success in 1982 when she took three victories (Portugal, Acropolis and Brazil), making her the main rival of German driver Walter Röhrl, eventual winner of the drivers’ title. Although Michèle Mouton's story at Le Mans was only brief, the Audi endurance saga goes back to 1999 and, with thirteen victories, is still going strong.

Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO                                   Translated from French by Clair Pickworth

Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, SATURDAY 14 & SUNDAY 15 JUNE 1975. At the wheel of the Moynet prototype, Michèle Mouton took the win at her only outing at Le Mans.