Romuald Delaunay: “I am the surprise of the season”

What is your assessment of this first part of the season?

The first word that comes to mind is: extraordinary. Extraordinary because I do four races and I win three. This start to the season has gone well beyond my expectations.

After the 3^e sleeve at Lessay, you said you were surprised. Is this still the case ?

Oh yes ! It's definitely a surprise because I didn't have these goals before the start of the season. I was aiming for a Top 6 and possibly a podium depending on how the race went. The surprise is still alive.

How do you deal with this sudden change in status?

I manage it well. It doesn't put any pressure on me because I came race by race without thinking about the championship which I didn't have in mind at the start. Now you have to be honest because there is a chance that I will be first or second at the end of the season.

Romuald Delaunay won three of the four rounds contested. ©RallycrossFrance/P. Simenel

Does the title become an objective?

No way ! We'll see at the end because at the moment, I'm not thinking about the championship. We will have to secure the podium while waiting for the final result.

You were talking about Top 6 and a possible podium before the season, but hadn't the idea of ​​a victory crossed your mind?

Not necessarily, but we are obviously competitors. When we go to a race, we try to win it. But to be honest, Samuel Peu is slightly above everyone else.

How are you experiencing this duel with him who was the big favorite of the season?

He still is. I would say that he is the one who has more of the pressure. I am the surprise of the season.

Le rallycross French people are having their summer break. Do you have any plans this summer?

The French championship break will allow me to do two rounds of the European championship (Sweden and Lohéac. Editor's note) before returning to Mayenne (October 24-26. Editor’s note). This is the icing on the cake. We will take advantage of it while trying to seize the slightest opportunity. It’s a bonus and extra fun. We will try to reach a semi-final.

How do you see the rest of the season?

It will be relaxed on my side. I'm not going to bother. I will try to do the best I can every weekend. You have to understand the circuits. I am going to discover the routes of Mayenne and Faleyras. But it will be without pressure after a year of fun. Whether I win the championship or finish 2^e or 3^e, it will not change the course of my life. There will be no regrets to have.