380 entries, including twelve Renault 5 Turbos at the Tour de Corse Historique...
The 380-entry limit for the Tour de Corse Historique was reached just 18 minutes after registration opened on January 18. Another pleasant surprise is the record number of twelve Renault 5 Turbo cars on the list. A tribute to this iconic vehicle will begin at Retromobile, where the “Maxi” version, victorious in the 1985 Tour de Corse, will be showcased. For the rest, we’ll have to wait for the rally’s start on October 4, 2025.
380 entries in just 18 minutes
Twelve Renault 5 Turbos confirmed
Full team present at Retromobile
Sporting fairness is a cornerstone of the Tour de Corse Historique. This principle was evident even during the registration process, which opened on January 18 at 7pm, nine months ahead of the rally’s start from Calvi. At this early stage, everyone had a fair shot—whether they were seasoned veterans or newcomers, whether they owned a valuable classic or a more modest car.
Last year, heavy traffic overwhelmed the website’s bandwidth, causing delays of several minutes. This year, additional technical measures were implemented, yet… “We’re the ones who got the bug,” laughs Marie-Ange Dini. “Initially, we could track registrants in real time on our control screen. But the notifications came in so quickly that we couldn’t keep up!”
History will remember Karine Bertrand as the first to register for the 2025 edition with a Mini Cooper. By 7:18 p.m., the 380 entries cap had been reached, meaning those who registered after that time would be placed on a waiting list.
TWELVE RENAULT 5 TURBO
The long process of validating registrations now begins and we will have to wait until July to see the full list. A preliminary glance reveals over thirty automotive brands will be represented, ranging from Alfa Romeo’s Bertone Coupe to Volvo’s PV 444. The lineup promises a rich diversity, from compact Autobianchi Abarths to the powerful Ford Falcon Sprint V8.
What can already be confirmed, however, is the triumph of the Renault 5 Turbo tribute, with a record twelve entries. These include various versions, such as ‘Cévennes,’ ‘Tour de Corse,’ ‘Group B,’ and ‘Maxi,’ some driven by high-profile personalities used to taking the lead.
SEE YOU AT RETROMOBILE
The Renault 5 Turbo will also take center stage at Retromobile, from February 5 to 9, at the Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles in Paris. The Tour de Corse Historique stand will feature the famous “Philips” number 3 car, which triumphed in the WRC on the island exactly forty years ago with Jean Ragnotti at the wheel. This “Maxi” version was the ultimate evolution of the model, once touted as the “fastest two-wheel drive car on asphalt.” Light at 905 kg and boasting 350 bhp, the car’s aggressive yet alluring design will captivate visitors, with its air intakes, flaps, spoilers, side skirts, and more. Don’t miss it on stand J038 in Hall 1.