Bouffier keeps the controls

Bryan Bouffier (Peugeot 207 S2000), after widening the gap in the two special stages on Thursday afternoon, suffered more this Friday morning. “It was not easy to see the road with the sun in front,” explained the recent French Champion after SS9. Between Montauban sur l'Ouvèze and Eygalayes, he lost around twenty seconds on Stéphane Sarrazin (Peugeot 207 S2000), best time in this special, and Juho Hänninen (Skoda Fabia S2000), the former leader.

François Delecour (Peugeot 207 S2000), second in the general classification thanks to his choice of studded tires on Thursday afternoon, lost more time than the Monte-Carlo leader. He now finds himself under threat from Freddy Loix (Skoda Fabia S2000) and Guy Wilks (Peugeot 207 S2000). “I'm attacking but they're all moving very quickly,” he commented upon his arrival in Eygalayes.

After this special, the Monte-Carlo takes a break before returning to the timed sections at the start of the evening. The night of Turini will then decide between the contenders for victory. Bryan Bouffier, with forty seconds ahead of François Delecour and more over his other rivals, remains favorite.