Bourdais, Montagny and Perera in the decor

Magny-Cours, which hosts the only French round of Superleague Formula this season, seems not to want to succeed for the French. During the first race, Franck Perera (Flamengo), the best-placed French driver, only finished eighth, ahead of his compatriots Sébastien Bourdais (Olympique Lyonnais) and Franck Montagny (Girondins de Bordeaux).

According to the principle of a completely inverted grid, the three French people logically found themselves wheel to wheel during the first laps of the second race. Before the burst of pit stops, Sébastien Bourdais, sixth, attempted to overtake while braking at the Adelaide hairpin. Its wheels locked and the No. 69 car skidded, hitting the right front wheel of Franck Perera and tearing off the rear wing of the car. car by Franck Montagny. The drivers hit are, inevitably, very disappointed.

« I started tenth, I moved up to fifth, comments Franck Perera. This is where I wanted to finish, in order to qualify for the super final. This is surprising from someone like Bourdais, who has enormous experience. I don't know what he hoped to do. But that puts three French people out of the race, it’s stupid. »

For his part, Sébastien Bourdais recognizes an error, without any intention of having wanted to harm his compatriot. “ It's bad luck, I made a mistake, comments Le Manceau. I locked the wheels instantly when braking and I couldn't stop the car. »

Franck Montagny, less angry than Franck Perera, had already changed his outfit a few minutes after the incident: polo shirt and sunglasses for a relaxed attitude? surface. “ I don't really know what happened. Watch the video, ask him “, he commented about the maneuver of his compatriot and teammate at Peugeot Sport. This year, the two men will not compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the wheel of the same 908 HDi FAP, unlike in 2009. Otherwise, this accident could have had more unfortunate consequences.