CFRT Vaucluse – Franceschi as Champion

French Land Rally Champions Drivers and Co-drivers, Mathieu Franceschi and Lucie Baud (Fabia Rally2 evo) arrived without pressure with the desire to enjoy it behind the wheel of the Skoda.

First on the road, the newly titled pair had to deal with problems with ground connections that were too flexible. Second, 0,2 seconds behind the leaders, after the first three stages, Franceschi and Baud took advantage of passing through service to adjust their suspensions. A paid adjustment which allowed them to sign the last three scratches of the day to have more than 20 seconds in advance before the last four Sunday specials.

Back on the Vaucluse specials after eight years of absence, Matthieu Margaillan (Fabia R5), co-driven by his sister Mathilde, quickly found his feet. Author of the scratch in SS 1, Margaillan managed to maintain his lead until mid-day service.

Matthieu Margaillan – Photo Bastien Roux / DPPI

Second at the end of this first stage, Margaillan is in a favorable position for the place of Vice-champion of France, especially since Benjamin Clémençon (Polo GTi R5) encountered brake problems at the start of the rally.

Pellerey leader in 2WD

Florian Bernardi (Fabia Rally2 evo) made a remarkable return to gravel with provisional third place. He was ahead of Cyrille Féraud (DS 3 WRC) and Thibault Durbec (Fabia R5) who made his return after more than two years of absence.

Tom Pellerey (208 Rally4) took advantage of the last special of the day to take the lead in the two-wheel drive classification ahead of Fabien Barel (208 Rally4). Quentin Ribaud (Clio Rally4) preserved his chances of winning the French 2WD Champion title with his third place in the standings.

Hervé gaidoz (Impreza STi R4) was ahead of Fabien Foissac (Lancer Evo 9 N4) and Paul Mas (Lancer Evo 9 A8) in the Yacco National Trophy.

Four special stages and 55,90 kilometers are on the program for the final stage of the 2022 season of the French Terrestrial Rally Championship.

Ranking of the 1st stage.