Mouton is the only female driver in the history of the World Rally Championship to achieve a event victory. Now 72, Mouton claimed four race victories during her career and impressively finished second in the championship in 1982.
The French ended her driving career in the championship after the 1986 season. However, she never left the sport entirely.
In recent years, Mouton has worked at World Rally Championship events as the International Automobile Federation (FIA)’s safety delegate. In this role, she has pre-driven all the special stages before the actual competitors.
But now, Mouton has decided to finally leave the special stages behind. She recently announced at the Rally de Portugal that she would retire from her duties at the end of this season.
Mouton said her farewells to passionate Portuguese fans at the competition’s concluding Power Stage.
“It was very special because people were waving, and we also stopped to wave back because we wanted to thank them. It’s incredible to have such memories and such support. It’s very emotional,” Mouton said.
“I did my job, I am very happy. The show should continue.”
The motorsport legend, however, does not plan to fully retire.
“I hope I will continue to do something else, but I have decided to stop in the WRC. It’s my 50th year in motorsport since I started in 1973, and I’m almost 73,” Mouton said.
