Guillaume Canivenq emerges

As since the start of the season, the duel between the WRCs and the Super 2000s animated the first stage of the Rallye du Rouergue. Leader after the first three stages, Patrick Henry left the first position in the last stage. His puncture benefits local Guillaume Canivenq.

Published on 10/07/2009 à 23:41

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Tracked south of Rodez, around Salles-Curan, this first day allowed Patrick Henry (Peugeot 307WRC) to confirm its domination over this first half of the season. The 2007 French Rally Champion, already winner of the last two events, was the fastest on the first three special stages of the day. But, a stone in a rope during the second passage through Salles Curan? Curan (SS4) destroyed his efforts. The 40??1 flights on this occasion allowed Guillaume Canivenq (Peugeot 207 Super 2000) to finish this first stage in first place.

The Aveyron driver benefits from top-notch performances to return to Rodez with a 7??8 lead over Pierre Roché (Subaru Impreza WRC. Jean-Sébastien Vigion (Peugeot 207 Super 2000) completes the provisional podium less than ten seconds ahead of Jean-Michel Da Cunha (Peugeot 307WRC).

Behind six four-wheel drive cars, Emmanuel Guigou (Renault Clio R3) and Cédric Robert (Renault Clio R3) engage in a duel full of attack and spectacle which turns to the advantage of the driver of the yellow Clio. In the Citroën Racing Trophy, Thomas Barral and Sabrina Seux (Citroën C2-R2 MAX) took the advantage over the Belgians Thierry Neuville and Achim Maraite (Citroën C2-R2 MAX) and Jean-Renaud and Mickaël Marchal (Citroën C2-R2 MAX).

Le Rally du Rouergue will continue tomorrow with six special stages designed to the west of Rodez. Departure at 10:00 a.m., arrival at 20:38 p.m.