Female Rally Driver Reflects on Her Story and the Audi Film She Inspired
The short animated film ‘Ever After’ for Audi Spain has been making its way around the world and almost 8 million people have now been captivated by this fairy tale told differently to any other. Media all around the world have referred to the film (Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Philippines, France, Portugal, Uruguay, Venezuela, USA, UK, Australia, Germany, Peru, Bulgaria, Poland, Italy, Armenia, Turkey, Hungary, Russia, Sweden) and the brand has exported it to 28 countries.
The story of ‘Ever After’ is inspired by the life of Michèle Mouton, a former Audi driver, who in 1981 became the first and only woman to win a world championship rally. On the release of ‘Ever After’, Audi decided to recover her legendary story in this interview.
The Speed Queen – In 1981, she became the first woman to win a World Rally Championship race. Now 66 years old, ‘The Speed Queen’ is still the only woman who has ever managed this. Her exceptional story inspired ‘Ever After’ by Audi – the brand in which she achieved her historic win. The star of the film uses her imagination to challenge the stereotypes of classical fairy tales and make her unusual dream come true: beating Prince Charming in an exciting race.
Q> Did you identify with the lead character in ‘Ever After’?
Michèle Mouton> Yes, I did. The main character is a little bit similar to me: motivated, stubborn and determined. And I like that [smiles].
Q> How old were you when you were first attracted to cars?
MM> I began driving on my own when I was 14. At that age, especially, driving meant independence, freedom… feeling alive. And I still think that at 66.
Q> When did you decide to dedicate yourself to driving? What prompted it?
MM> It happened by chance. A friend of mine asked me to be their co-driver in 1973. And after a few rallies, my father decided he would prefer to see me behind the wheel.
Q> Your father was crucial to your introduction to cars. How did he help you?
MM> My father was the first one to believe in me. He gave me my first car. And I will always be grateful to him for that. He told me he would be my first sponsor – for the first year. And he said something I’ll remember forever: “If you are good enough, you will continue. If not, you will stop.” And I decided to show him that I could do it.
Q> Were you put off by being the only woman?
MM> I just concentrated on the work I had to do, on the challenge before me and on trying to get up to the level of the male drivers.
Q> What did the other drivers think?
MM> The drivers were perfect gentlemen out of the cars, but when you put on your gloves and helmet, it’s each for himself. The media did put the emphasis on me being the only woman among all the men.
Q> What was your first victory like at San Remo?
MM> It was an incredible victory. First for the team and then for me as a woman. And I realised that, if had won once, I could do it again.
Q> And the time you almost won the World Championship?
MM> My father died the morning before I competed for the world title in the Ivory Coast. As you may imagine, for me, losing the title was nothing compared to having lost my father.
Q> Three decades later, your story is still exceptional.
MM> I don’t think I’m exceptional. I have just worked hard and with determination. I was also lucky that Audi gave me the chance to use the same equipment as the best drivers. I was driving the same car as Hannu Mikkola – the top driver in the World Rally Championship at the time.
Q> Your story may be a point of reference for many girls. Are you aware of that?
MM> That was never my goal but, if I manage to motivate and inspire other girls, that will be fantastic.
Q> What do you think of how few women there are in the world of motoring?
MM> If we take a look, the pyramid of young boys starting to compete has a much thicker base than that of girls and, logically, there are only a few who reach the top. We need to expand the base and then a girl will be sure to reach the top like I did.
Q> You are currently the President of the FIA’s Women In Motorsport Commission. What are you doing to increase the presence of female drivers?
MM> We are currently working on a great project. Jointly with eight federations, we are selecting female European drivers from 13 to 18 years of age. One winner will be chosen from among the finalists and she will have the chance to attend training courses organised by the FIA.
Q> We hope that this will be the start of a career for Moutons of the future.
MM> Let’s hope so.
