Michelle Mouton

Lansdowne recently held a fund-raising dinner with an extraordinary guest - Michelle Mouton.

Michelle is undoubtedly the most sucessful female rally driver of all time, and to have this special visitor to dine and entertain made the evening a big hit. Guests were treated to a special menu, which Michelle later signed.

Michelle was also the star attraction at the Dunlop International Classic Rally in Otago, where she competed in Rossendale's Ford Escort RS1800, along with co-driver Farizia Pons.

Although being the only woman ever to win a World Rally Championship Round, Michelle has not raced in a major rally since 2004. She usually drives four wheel drives, and was looking forward to the challenge of a rear wheel drive.

Click to see a larger image

Michelle and Farizia didn't take away the cup at the Rally, but she certainly won the hearts and respect of those of us here at Rossendale.

    » Official Otago Rally website

    » Watch a news report on Michelle's visit here