Born in 1983, Yoann Bonato grew up watching Didier Auriol’s exploits on television and has persuaded the three-time winner for Lancia (1989, 1990, 1992), to team up for a repeat performance in the Lancia Delta Integrale with which he was so successful in period.

Catapulted into the spotlight by his extraordinary victory at the 1988 Tour de Corse – his first in the World Championship – driving a private Ford Sierra, Didier Auriol secured his first factory drive with Lancia in 1989. Over four seasons at the wheel of the Italian cars, he claimed eleven world championship victories, playing a major role in Lancia’s three manufacturers’ titles. He remains the most successful driver on the Island, with six wins for three different marques (Ford, Lancia, Toyota).

Winner for Lancia in 1989, 1990 and 1992 Didier Auriol will return to Corsica in October

“Some opportunities simply can’t be turned down,” said Auriol, “and coming back to the Tour de Corse Historique in a Lancia Delta Integrale Evoluzione inevitably has a very special flavour for me. I know this car inside out, having taken part in the development of its final evolution. The car entered will be a true historic version, virtually identical to the 1992 model: demanding, physical, but incredibly effective. Beyond the sporting challenge, this comeback is a wonderful human adventure. Even though Denis Giraudet will ultimately not be available, I’m delighted to be able to count on Fabrice Gordon alongside me. Despite the years, the desire is still there: to give everything and fight for victory. So yes… this return really will have a ‘Back to the Future’ feel!”

In 2002, having contested only a handful of rallies in a Peugeot 205 GTI and 106 Rallye, the 21-year-old Yoann Bonato joined his idol’s team and finished third in the Saxo Challenge. Since then, the French driver has claimed six French Rally Championship titles. Long loyal to Citroën, he is defending his crown this year in a Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale. While this will be his first appearance in the Tour de Corse Historique, Bonato is no stranger to the roads, having competed six times in the modern Tour de Corse, including a second place in WRC2. This time, the roles are reversed, as it was Bonato who convinced Auriol to embark on the adventure, as a nod to his own beginnings.