Paris’s early risers would have been in for a treat on May 15th, as a cohort of lady drivers assembled to set off on the 21st edition of the Rallye des Princesses Richard Mille. Following a two-year enforced absence due to, you guessed it, Covid, this year’s addition took in the historic coasts of Normandy, the Pays de la Loire and Brittany. The scene of the sublime sendoff was the Place Vendôme, where at 8:30am prompt, the procession of Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Volkswagen and Chevrolet goodness sped away for a five-day rally.
There were many highlights including a 1958 BMW 507 driven by daughter of Richard Mille, Amanda Mille and Margot Laffite. Laffite, a world-renowned racing driver and F1 TV presenter, was the Patron of the event and is a member of the Richard Mille family. Elsewhere, fans of the prancing horse would have been delighted by the classic Ferrari 308 GTB Quattrovalvole driven by Sabine Käppeli and Emma Rabiller. The 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder driven by Arielle Morin-Lescure and Camille Dalbard Martin was also one of the highlights.
Whilst the scenery may have been breathtaking, the cars divine and the overnight stays luxurious, the 350 KM daily drives were gruelling. Timing was of the essence, as every second counted and driver and co-driver worked together to navigate the often tricky roads. It was lucky then that the drivers were equipped with Richard Mille watches to ensure the didn’t career off-track time wise. At the end of the 1500 KM marathon, there could only be one winner and the podium was taken by Carole Gratzmuller and Elisa Laurent in their Chevrolet Corvette C2.
