One of motorsports’ most successful female drivers, Michele Mouton, is back in New Zealand. However, the 1982 WRC runner-up driver is not here to get behind the wheel.
These days, Mouton works as an FIA safety representative and is here in preparation for the upcoming WRC Rally New Zealand event in September.
Mouton expressed her excitement for WRC’s return to New Zealand commenting, “I love the roads here in New Zealand,”
She also added, “I am pleased with what I am seeing,” in reference to the current planning underway for the upcoming rally here later this year.
Meticulous inspection of the rally route, spectator safety, and the special stages themselves is needed to ensure the event goes smoothly which Mouton is here to assess.
“I am looking for the dangerous points (for the drivers), sometimes to protect against a tree, pole, or a bridge. They can have a big impact incase of a crash,”
“I also look at all the dedicated areas for spectators to go and spectate.” said Mouton.
The former Fiat, Audi and Peugeot team driver raced in the golden era of rallying, Group B.
In 1986, she went on to become the first female to win a major championship in rallying, the German Rally Championship.
The WRC Repco Rally New Zealand gets underway on September 29 running over the weekend until October 2.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Main image: FIA