Michèle Mouton's father told her to prove herself or quit rallying; she became the ‘fastest woman alive’

Mouton initially worked as a co-driver, accompanying her friend Jean Taibi on the 1972 Tour de Corse. For years, rallying was seen as a man's sport. The cars were brutally fast, the roads unpredictable and the margin for error tiny. Then came Michèle Mouton. She did not enter motorsport trying to become the fastest woman. She just wanted to race. At the height of rallying's most dangerous era, Mouton became the first woman to win a round of the World Rally Championship and came within reach of winning the world title.Her story began in Grasse in southern France. Mouton initially worked as a co-driver, accompanying her friend Jean Taibi on the 1972 Tour de Corse. A year later, she moved into the driver's seat. Her father, Pierre, gave her an Alpine A110 with one condition: prove herself during the year or give it up. She proved herself quickly.When male drivers wanted her car checked Her career changed direction when Audi came calling.Mouton's speed was so surprising that some male competitors questioned whether her Alpine was legal. According to the official website of Motor Sport, male drivers pressed the FIA to inspect the car for irregularities. There were none. Mouton also show...