The Princesses’ Rally, which celebrates its 20th edition in 2019 is reminiscent of the races in the 20th century when it was common to see women competing in motorsports events
From 1 to 6 June 1-6, 2019, the car rally will be held again with classic cars driven exclusively by women starting in Paris and finishing in Saint-Tropez. The rally is split into five stages of between 350 and 400 kilometres each covering a total of 1600 kilometres.
The entry fee cost more than €6000 and in the last edition more than 90 vintage cars registered for the event, meaning 180 participants. Cars manufactured between 1946 and 1989 are eligible to compete and are grouped into four categories, marked by decades. Some of the cars belong to the participants, while others are lent by individuals or sponsors. The 2018 edition saw Austin Healeys, convertible Beetles, Alfa Romeo Spiders, Mercedes Benz 250 SL Pagodas, MGCs, Triumphs and other vintage cars competing.
This unique car rally of classic cars with women at the wheel has been held every year for the last two decades under the slogan “An adventure for modern women”. The initiative was started by Viviane Zaniroli, a vintage car enthusiast who has always been connected to the car world, organising events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the Austin-Healy Club.
The first edition of the Princesses’ Rally took place in 2000 was open to mixed crews to encourage men to let their cars (most classic cars are owned by men), and then in 2013, when most teams were all women, Zaniroli decided that the 2014 rally would restrict applications exclusively to women.
The first Princesses’ Rally even included actual royalty with Helena Princess of Yugoslavia among the entrants. She went on to compete again in 2002 and 2006, although the first rally was won by Caroline Bugatti, a member of the founding family of the prestigious top of the range car manufacturer. The 2002 rally was won by Vanina and Larissa Ickx, daughters of the six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx. Other women that have competed in past editions include the famous driver Michèle Mouton, the only woman to have won of a stage of the World Rally Championship, and Pat Moss, sister of the mythical Formula 1 driver, Sterling Moss.
Victory relies on regularity and timekeeping, there’s no need to drive fast. In other words, the organisation previously plots some average speeds that are needed to cross each one of the stages and adds points to the cars that are closest to those speeds. This is a test that requires a lot of concentration, effort and synchronisation with the co-driver.
Ultimately, the Princesses’ Rally is an initiative that vindicates the active role and figure of women in motorsports at an event where elegance, camaraderie, period glamour, vintage trends and the most challenging of efforts all set the tone.
