Antibes Rally: Ciamin knocks out his opponents

Best performer in the first with three fastest times, Nicolas Ciamin (A110 Rally-Code Racing) had warned that he would show the same pace during the second loop. The driver from Nice kept his word as he again set three best times during the last four special stages of the day. With a lead of 28,8 seconds over Eric Camilli. (C3 Rally2-PH Sport by Minerva Oil), the driver of theAlpine can start to think seriously about the final podium, especially since the second and final stage contested tomorrow is shorter with seven special stages spread over 100,01 kilometers. Logically, Nicolas Ciamin is also at the top of the two-wheel drive ranking.

The Program and results of the Antibes Côte d’Azur Rally

Author of the first scratch this morning, Eric Camilli then suffered the pace imposed by Ciamin. However, the pilot engaged in Rally of Catalonia next week stands up to his pursuers despite a small set-up problem in the Col de Bleine.

Yoann Bonato (C3 Rally2-CHL Sport Auto) and Quentin Giordano (Polo GTI R5-Sarrazin Motorsport) go blow for blow in each special, but the three-time French Champion is on the provisional podium with 3,5 seconds ahead of Giordano.

After a first loop where he struggled with the settings, Cédric Robert (A110 Rally-Bonneton HDG) completed the Top 5 with the satisfaction of having found a good option in the set-up of his Alpine.

Sixth, Julien Saunier (A110 Rally-Sébastien Loeb Racing Bardahl) is “having a blast” behind the wheel of his Alpine. Trophy leader Alpine Elf Rally, Saunier must nevertheless be wary of Raphaël Astier (A110 Rally), author of good times for his debut at the wheel of the GT Normande.

In the Michelin “R5” Trophy, Pierre Roché (C3Rally2-Team FJ) is only 4,1 seconds behind Patrick Rouillard (Fabia Rally2) in the match for second place. For his part, Quentin Giordano is a solid leader with almost two minutes ahead. In the “Outside R5” classification, Cédric Robert confirms that he is the boss ahead ofAlpine by Grégory Fontalba. The third step of the podium sees the match of F2000/14 between Luc Pistachi (BMW 318 Ti Compact) and Jonathan Boueri at the wheel of his venerable Renault 11. The two drivers are separated in 2,4 seconds, to the advantage of the driver of the “beheme”.

In two-wheel drive, the Alpine dictate their law by monopolizing the Top 5 with Nicolas Ciamin, Cédric Robert, Julien Saunier, Raphaël Astier and Grégory Fontalba. Relieved of the threat Stéphane Lefebvre (Corsa Rally4-Cilti), forced to retire at the end of SS 3, Anthony Fotia (Clio Rally4) leads the way in the traction clan.

Sarah Rumeau (208 Rally4) managed to reverse the trend in the women's ranking, but Pauline Dalmasso (208 Rally4) did not say her last with her eight seconds behind.

Ranking at the end of the first day: