ERC – Kopecky leads the Tour de Corse ahead of Bouffier

Jan Kopecky (Skoda Fabia S2000) took the lead of the Tour de Corse in the last special of the first stage. The leader of the Championship got through the pitfalls of the day after remaining at the forefront and his scratch on the Erbajolo course? Pont d'Altiani allows it to get ahead of the Peugeot 207 S2000 by Bryan Bouffier by three seconds. If the Frenchman did not set a benchmark time, he adopted a constant pace to remain a contender for victory in the French event.

Nevertheless, the rally has experienced several turning points. Craig Breen was the first leader and after only three stages enjoyed a good lead since he had set the best time each time. But the Irishman suffered a puncture causing him to lose more than a minute on the Taverna course? Castiria Bridge (SS4). Nevertheless, the reigning champion of the S-WRC released the full attack to return to the provisional podium around thirty seconds from the lead of the race. But he benefited from the abandonment of Robert Kubica who had to throw in the towel on Bachetta's course? La Porta following a fuel pressure problem when he took control of the Tour de Corse following problems encountered by Craig Breen.

Stéphane Sarrazin achieved a very good first stage since he occupies fourth place in the Mini JCW which he is still discovering on the Corsican special stages. The Frenchman is more than a minute ahead of his compatriot François Delecour (207 S2000). Julien Maurin also performed very well in his Ford Fiesta S2000 as he was less than ten seconds behind the top five. The Sochaux cars of Jean-Marc Manzagol and Jean-Mathieu Leandri follow in seventh and eighth places respectively.

Andreas Aigner leads the Production category at the wheel of his Subaru Impreza R4. The Austrian delivers a superb pass of arms with the Renault Mégane RS N4 of Germain Bonnefis who is only four seconds behind. On the other hand, Robert Consani retired after leaving the road.

The second stage of the Tour de Corse will include five special stages. The departure will be at 10:48 a.m. with the Carbuccia route? Tavera.