It’s difficult to imagine co-driver, journalist, press officer, bank manager, and author Françoise Conconi being intimidated by anything. But in 1976, seated beside driver Michèle Mouton in an Alpine 1600, she felt the pressure of competing in her first Rallye Monte-Carlo. “It was the Holy Grail for us,” Françoise says. “We were in the big league, and we were very intimidated because everything was new.”
The rally legend is one of 65 women featured in the new release 100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco from Carob Tree Publishing and was at the book launch with Prince Albert (pictured above) on January 24, 2025. As the ground-breaking book reveals, co-driver Françoise would go on to compete in 150 rallies in her career, become a 4-time French and European rally champion, and 3-time winner of the Coupe des Dames at the Rallye Monte-Carlo. The Grenobloise was an original member of the all-women’s Team Aseptogyl back in the 1970s. (François is pictured below with rally driver Christine Dacremont on 2025 International Women’s Sports Day at the Prince’s Car Collection).
LISTEN HERE: 100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco interview with Sarah Lycett on RIVIERA RADIO
Françoise will be attending a special screening of “Histoire du Rallye Monte-Carlo” in Beausoleil on Wednesday, April 2. The documentary is being shown at 6:30 pm at the Centre Culturel Prince Jacques (6/8 avenue du Général de Gaulle) as part of the 2025 Côte d’Azur Sport Film Festival.
Following the film, Claude Julian will moderate a discussion with Bruno Saby, drivers Françoise, Dominique de Meyer and Franck Phillips, and historic rally specialist Stephan Cannas.
Put on by the Alpes-Maritimes Departmental Olympic and Sports Committee (CDOS), this ninth edition of the sports festival runs from April 1-3. The two days of films, debates and seminars look to communicate Olympic values and spread the importance of sports practice. The last day is dedicated to awards. Contact the mairie to confirm participation – 04 93 41 71 48 or by email cabinetdumaire@villedebeausoleil.fr.
Article first published March 31, 2025. Article photos: Françoise Conconi Facebook. Feature photo: Maurice Lauche/100 Years of Women: Motorsport & Monaco.