Two Peugeot 207 Super 2000s in the lead

The second stage of the Rallye du Rouergue was fatal for many competitors. Three of the top six dropped out during the first loop. Already leader this morning, Guillaume Canivenq consolidated his position ahead of his Team Barroso Yacco teammate Jean-Sébastien Vigion.

Published on 11/07/2009 à 20:22

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After a short first stage, the 36th Rally du Rouergue Aveyron Midi Pyrénées continued today to the west of Rodez throughout a loop of three special stages completed twice.

Between the Rodez public garden and the start of the first special stage at La Capelle, the fourth rally of the 2009 French Championship lost two leading crews. Pierre Roché (Subaru Impreza WRC) and Ludovic Gal (Peugeot 207 Super 2000) had to retire: broken wheel hub on the WRC and water pump problem on the Super 2000.

Best performer in the first stage but delayed by a puncture, Patrick Henry (Peugeot 307WRC) first took 4??9 from Guillaume Canivenq (Peugeot 207 Super 2000) before losing 2??8 on the arrival of Calmont? Saint Juliet. In Moyrazes? Colombias (SS7), the duel definitely turned to the advantage of the Aveyron driver with the 2007 French Champion going off the road.

Jean-Michel Da Cunha (Peugeot 307WRC) in turn tried to get back on the leader with two consecutive best times at midday before a straightaway cost him second position. Taking advantage of the situation, Jean-Sébastien Vigion (Peugeot 207 Super 2000) passed in front of the orange 307WRC.

Behind the top three, Emmanuel Guigou (Renault Clio R3) occupies fourth position, a rank which could give it back the lead in the French Championship tomorrow. He is ahead of Cédric Robert (Renault Clio R3), slowed down today by power steering problems, and Xavier Lemonnier (Peugeot 207 Super 2000).

The two Peugeot 207s entered by Team Barroso Yacco will have to defend the first two places during the last stage, the longest of the event, which will start tomorrow at 7:00 a.m.