Laboulle champion of France

Marc Laboulle was there almost the day after the Mayenne weekend, two weeks ago. With thirty-six points in advance, Picard was a hair's breadth away from being crowned French Division 1 champion. He therefore arrived without pressure at Essay, the venue for the French championship for the second time this season.

With six victories in nine events, Marc Laboulle was the big favorite at Essay but still experienced some mechanical problems. A start to break in the head gasket forced him to change the engine of his Citroën Xsara WRC. Qualified on the front row, he had Davis Meslier at his side, determined to stay in the title race.

But, at the start of the final, it was Hervé ?Knapick?, starting from the third row, who took off best to take the lead, ahead of Laboulle and Meslier. The six laps offered a battle of rare intensity, each driver trying to gain an advantage over his predecessor. In the end, Hervé ?Knapick? won ahead of Marc Laboulle and David Meslier, the 2009 Division 1 title going to Marc Laboulle.

Already Division 2 champion in 2005, Picard succeeds David Meslier, who will now have to try to keep his second place in Dreux (October 17-18), Hervé ?Knapick? having come back to within one point of the 2008 champion thanks to his victory at Essay.