Heart of France – Bonato Advantage

Author of a scratch in SS 5, after having made a few "clicks" just before the start, Yoann Bonato (C3 Rally2-CHL Sport Auto) remained the leader of the Rally Heart of France at the end of this first stage. The five-time French Champion perfectly exploited the potential of his Citroën to contain the attacks of his rivals.

Just 7,3 seconds behind the leader, Nicolas Ciamin (i20 N Rally2-Hyundai 2C Compétition), who scored three stage wins this afternoon, is keeping the pressure on Bonato before the six special stages scheduled for the second stage. The Niçois would take advantage of the weather conditions to threaten Bonato, winner of the last five editions of the Cœur de France.

Nicolas Ciamin – Photo Gregory Lenormand / DPPI

Credited with the best time in SS 7 (tied with Ciamin), William Wagner (Polo GTI R5-Sarrazin Motorsport) consolidated his position on the provisional podium with 12 seconds ahead of Cédric Robert (A110 Rally-Team Bonneton HDG) . The two drivers are also fighting for first place in the Michelin Premium Trophy.

William Wagner – Photo Bastien Roux / DPPI

Solid leader of the Michelin Amateur Trophy, Anthony Cosson (Porsche 991 GT3 Cup) completed the Top 5 on the evening of this first day. The three-time French Mountain Champion in the Production category knows that the second stage could be more delicate with the arrival of the rain.

Anthony Cosson – Photo Bastien Roux / DPPI

Launching a good comeback after the breakage of his longitudinal shaft this morning, Quentin Giordano (Polo GTI R5-Sarrazin Motorsport) came back 33,4 seconds from fifth place held by Pierre Roché (C3 Rally2-Team FJ).

Leaders in great shape

In addition to his fourth place in the provisional classification, Cédric Robert dominated the two-wheel drive debates with more than two minutes ahead of his pursuers. 

Cédric Robert – Photo Bastien Roux / DPPI

With a lead of more than a minute over Pauline Dalmasso (Clio Rally4), Sarah Rumeau (Corsa Rally4-Cilti Sport) is moving a little closer to the title of French Women's Rally Champion.

Sarah Rumeau – Photo Bastien Roux / DPPI

After conceding the first scratch of the day to Fabrice Bect (A110 Rally-Team FJ), Grégory Fontalba (A110 Rally) set all the best times of this first stage to have a lead of more than two minutes over Jean-Luc Roché (A110 Rally-Team FJ). Trapped in SS 6, Bect was in fourth place behind Romuald Lamboley (A110 Rally).

With more than 116 kilometers, divided into six special stages, the second stage could hold a few surprises, especially if the rain comes.

The general classification after SS 7