David Salanon wins the Rallye du Var

With 16″ ahead of Sébastien Loeb (Peugeot 306 Maxi) this morning, before the last four ES of the Rally from the Var, David Salanon (Ford Fiesta WRC) knew that the nine-time world champion would give everything to try to erase this deficit.

And the first two special stages of this final stage confirm the Alsatian's desire not to give up. Loeb set the second time behind Sylvain Michel (Skoda Fabia R5) in SS11, but regained 2″9 on Salanon before taking the scratch in SS12.

Victim of gearbox problems, Salanon saw Loeb return to less than 5″ before the last two timed sectors.

#CFR / #VAR
SS12 – Salanon 'I had a little problem with the gearbox over one or two kilometers. The road is rough

— Chpt France Rallye (@CFRallye) November 26, 2017

But SS13 will ultimately be fatal to the Loeb – Elena tandem, since the 306 Maxi engine dies in this penultimate special, leaving Salanon to race towards a second victory in this event.

#CFR / #VAR
Abandonment confirmed for @SebastienLoeb , broken engine !

— Chpt France Rallye (@CFRallye) November 26, 2017

The Peugeot Sport driver's setbacks allowed Sylvain Michel to finish second at 19″3. Yohan Rossel (Hyundai i20 R5) climbs onto the podium at 1'37" after the retirement of Hugo Margaillan (Citroën DS3 R5), victim of a road trip, and dominates the Michelin Trophy. Quentin Giordano (Skoda Fabia R5) and Charles Martin (Skoda Fabia R5) complete the top 5, Giordano finishing vice-champion of France.

Raphaël Astier (Citroën DS3 R5) follows in sixth position and precedes Lukasz Habaj (Ford Fiesta R5), Guillaume Sirot (Skoda Fabia R5), Pierre Roché (Skoda Fabia R5) and Nicolas Vouilloz (Ford Fiesta R5).

11th, Romain Dumas (Porsche 911 GT3) dominates the GT+ category. Anthony Fotia wins the 208 Rally Cup while Cédric Robert wins the Clio R3T Trophy.

Final classification Rallye du Var

Discover the report of the Rallye du Var, in issue 2142 of AUTOhebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version and this Wednesday on newsstands.