Mont-Dore awaits Régal

Like every year, the climb of Sancy marks the culmination of the French and European championship. This year again, Lionel Régal should show off his talents at the wheel of his F3000. But watch out for the Italian Faggioli, second in 2008.

Published on 06/08/2009 à 17:08

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More than ever leader of the championship after his success at Dunières in mid-July, Lionel Régal presents himself at Mont-Dore as favorite for the title at the end of the season. But compared to the free Osella engine formulas F3000 of the Italians Faggioli and Baldi or the modified Reynard F3000 of Bormolini and Napione, not approved in France, the Lyonnais will have difficulty competing for the final victory. The reigning European Champion will nevertheless have to fight hard against his usual rivals Schatz, Petit and Frantz, all on F3000, as well as Baudin, Ritchen, and the native Benoît Bouche in his quest for a fifth national title.

Best time of the three climbs at Dunières, Lionel Régal now has a comfortable lead in the standings over his runner-up, Sébastien Petit, with four events remaining in the season. Last year, he won on the Auvergne bends and at the same time broke the record for the climb in 2:15:720.

Second in 2008 after being robbed of victory on the last climb, the Italian Simone Faggioli does not hide his ambitions, he who now has 70 additional horses at the wheel of his free formula Osella. The latter will be keen to take his revenge on the Frenchman. The battle therefore promises to be close for the only French stage counting for the European Mountain Championship.