The Renault R8 Gordini of Jean Richaud-Alex Genin went out of control after sliding on a puddle during a special stage in wet roads on the Massif des Maures, Var department in Provence region, southern France. The car left the road and crashed into a tree on the right side. Driver Jean Richaud, 27, was killed at the scene, Genin suffered a fractured thigh-bone.

A well known French rallyman, acting both as a driver and as navigator, Jean Richaud campaigned his Citroën DS21 since 1966, taking part to prestigious international events such as the Coupe des Alpes and the Rallye de Monte-Carlo. He was an active member of the Écurie Bleue of Salon-de-Provence in the Bouches-du-Rhône department. The seat of the club was at downtown's Sport-Bar, owned by the Richaud family.

R.I.P