Arcole

French Algeria celebrated its centenary in 1930 with a new race on the temporary Arcole road course between Oran and Bir el Djir. Jean de Maleplane’s Bugatti T35C was the surprise winner of the 1930 Grand Prix d’Oranie after more established stars retired on the rough road surface. The event was repeated in 1932 as a three-hour race which Jean-Pierre Wimille (Bugatti T51) led from start to finish. Jean Delorme and Marguerite Mareuse were injured in separate accidents. Delorme broke a rib but was saved by wearing an aluminium helmet. Mme Mareuse had facial lacerations when she was thrown clear as the car barrel-rolled following a puncture.