And two for Jean-Marie Cuoq

Despite a Peugeot 206 WRC sometimes running on three cylinders, a problem never resolved by his team, Jean-Marie Cuoq maintained a sufficient margin until the end not to take unnecessary risks. With this second victory, he is now well ahead of the French gravel rally championship. Now, the Ardéchois should tackle more difficult objectives, with one or two rounds of the WRC championship, while waiting for the Terre de Langres next July?

« If I had been told before the start that I would finish second, I would not have believed it », explained Jérôme Jacquot. “ Ultimately, I think I did well with the 207 Super 2000. I often make very good first passes and it paid off. » If Jacquot was beaming at the finish, Laurent Carbonaro was rather disappointed to finish on the third step of the podium with his Ford Focus WRC. “ I have to admit that yesterday I was rather lousy. In short, we are in our place, but what comforts me is that I am second in the championship, behind Jean-Marie. This is a positive note. »

Alors que Dominique Bruyneel connaissait un dimanche difficile, le moteur de sa Skoda Octavia perdant presque totalement sa puissance ce qui faisait reculer le champion de France en titre de la quatrième place à la neuvième, un autre Belge se mettait en évidence. Avec une Toyota Celica GT4 accusant le poids des ans, Claudie Tanghe étonnait d?abord en remportant la première spéciale du dimanche, avant de terminer finalement quatrième au général. Bien que n?étant pas inscrit au championnat, il a promis de revenir au Terre de Langres et au Terre de Picardie, étant conquis par la « terre » française.

No surprise in Group N, Arnaud Morel controlled Hervé Guignard until the end, who slowed down in the last loop. Third place went to Nicolas Rivière, making big progress with his Mitsubishi Lancer prepared by the SMG team.

On the 2-wheel drive side, Marc Amourette took, like Cuoq, his second victory of the season. “Manu” Gascou, first leader, could not defend his chances because of a faulty clutch cable, and finished second in the C2 R2s. Finally, the first round of the Volant Peugeot 207 Rally was won by the ??revenant?? Jérémi Ancian, ahead of the Swiss Laurent Reuche and Germain Bonnefils.