Bernard Piallat: “I never set limits for myself”

It became urgent that we find the time for this carpooling, since it seems that you are going to put PH Sport up for sale?

You are not the first person to tell me this, even though I have absolutely no intention of hanging up. I don't know where this rumor came from, but it is completely unfounded. I don't want to stop at all. I'm only good in this area and, what's more, I still have several projects that I want to succeed, one day, in fulfilling.

Speaking of projects, what impact did the one built around this Saxo Kit-Car and its crew have?

For me and for PH Sport, it was a detonator. Without the meeting with Sébastien Loeb and his co-pilot Daniel Elena, my life would have been completely different. As has been the case several times in my journey, I found myself in the right place at the right time. What would have happened if I hadn't talked to those like me who were waiting in line for gas during this rally des Vins Mâcon (Saône-et-Loire), in 1997? By not meeting Rémi Mammosser and Dominique Heintz (founders of Ambition Sport Auto, the association with which Sébastien Loeb launched his career. Editor’s note), I don’t know at all what direction my activity would have taken. On the other hand, I am convinced that Sébastien and Daniel would have succeeded in the same journey with someone else. Seb' has such talent that he would have ended up blossoming sooner or later. He's gifted.

Before this meeting with the people from Ambition Sport Auto, what path took you to this service station? Did the passion start in your family?