From August 30 to September 4, 2021, 210 competitors will try to link Paris to Nice by the schoolchildren’s path at the wheel of legendary vintage cars. A 100% Argus crew will be on hand, aboard a 1973 BMW 2002 tii … almost new. Presentations.
Tuesday August 31, 2021, from 6 a.m. In front of the Grand Palais Ephémère, standing in front of the Eiffel Tower, a troop of enthusiasts will see 210 automotive jewels flee towards a full program. On the daily menu? A circuit event, up to three timed specials on closed roads, and around 400 km of link between the stage towns. That is 1,930 km, 10 road races and four on track in total, which will have to face respectable specimens: 38 years for the youngest (a Golf 1 GTI), 71 years for the oldest (an Aston Martin DB2 from 1950!).
It is thus in the country of the Tour Auto Optic 2000 which, for 30 years, prolongs the spirit of the true Tour de France Automobile organized between 1899 and 1986. The competitors having to expressly enter models having already taken part in the historic event, the The 2021 plateau will quickly take on the air of paradise on earth: 18 Ferraris, 27 Jaguars, 50 Porsches, surrounded by more popular models badged Mini or Autobianchi. Among the 24 BMWs entered, a 2002 tii from 1973 will sport your favorite website logo.
To meet the challenge, two “Argussian” recruits were selected. On the right, Géraldine Gaudy, deputy editor-in-chief famous for her feats of arms in the Caterham Cup. On the left, Mathieu Sentis, our test driver soon to be married at the Nürburgring. A duo fan of speed who will however have to moderate their ardor if they wish to shine in the Tour Auto 2021 … Yes: unlike the competitors entered in the Competition field (where only the best time counts), they will tackle the Regularity field which consists of moving as close as possible to a given average speed. Less shivering on paper … but no less difficult in real life, as you will soon see in video.
Throughout the week, Geraldine and Mathieu will try to share their adventure on our social networks (Facebook and Instagram in particular), and will meet you directly on the roadsides of the course, unveiled below. First date? Monday August 30, for the detailed presentation of their sublime 2002 tii blue Fjord numbered 103. And for those who cannot make it to the Grand Palais Ephémère in Paris, a live on our YouTube channel will be organized there from 1 pm. To your questions, and your tablets!
The 2021 Tour Auto program
Step 0 – Monday August 30: Paris, Champ de Mars
- Exhibition of cars entered at the Grand Palais Ephémère
Step 1 – Tuesday August 31: Paris> Beaune (399 km)
- Official departure from the Château de Runs
- Dijon-Prenois circuit
- A special stage
2nd step – Wednesday September 1: Beaune> Aix-les-Bains (322 km)
- Bresse circuit
- Two special stages
Step 3 – Thursday September 2: Aix-les-Bains> Valence (446 km)
- Three special stages
Step 4 – Friday September 3: Valence> Nîmes (289 km)
- Lédenon circuit
- Two special stages
Step 5 – Saturday September 4: Nîmes> Nice (474 km)
- Paul Ricard Circuit
- Two special stages
TO READ. Tour Auto 2017 on Peugeot 204: the inside story!
