The 2018 edition of Rallye Jeunes has chosen its winners

The jury returned its verdict Monday evening. The 2018 edition of the operation Rally Young people dedicated Florent Todeschini and Florian Bouchonneau. Bertrand Blondel La Rougery was selected as a substitute after the final held in Nîmes (Gard).

Organized by the French Automobile Federation (FFSA), the Youth Rally campaign helps detect the talents of tomorrow. The five-time world rally champion (WRC) Sébastien Ogier notably won the operation in 2005. For the two young people selected, it was necessary to pass various tests before receiving the trophy.

#YouthRally
There are 26 in the final. There will only be 2 left.
Good luck to everyone ! pic.twitter.com/1ZMKJ4sNrq

— Rallye Jeunes FFSA (@RallyeJeunes) November 12, 2018

26 candidates took part in an intense day of testing. In the morning, the exercises took place in a Ford Fiesta. The goal was to rank among the 6 finalists, a big milestone to overcome!

Then, at the wheel of a Ford Fiesta R2J (used in the French Junior Rally Championship), the aspiring drivers had to drive as fast as possible on various courses. An educational manager from the FFSA Academy (federal training center) was in the right seat to assess driving skills.

Final #YouthRally

Lap times in progress with the Ford Fiesta R2J on the Lédenon Circuit! Play your games, gentlemen! pic.twitter.com/Xpw0Ru9Tor

— Rallye Jeunes FFSA (@RallyeJeunes) November 12, 2018

But besides piloting, an interview to analyze the temperament and motivations of the candidates was also planned. This oral presentation was carried out in front of a jury composed of Christophe Lollier (National Technical Director), Jean Bourgoin (Director of Team Yacco), Maciej Woda (Director of M-Sport Poland) and Didier Martin (Michelin Competition Manager).

The reward for Florent Todeschini and Florian Bouchonneau is a season in the 2019 French Junior Rally Championship in the Youth Rally Team. A relief for Florent Todeschini, industrial chemistry operator. “My character means that I always want to improve. My fear was not to do at least as well as last year, knowing that I was a substitute in 2017! For me, I had to win, explains the 22-year-old from Marseillais.

I think I will learn a lot of things that I would not have learned without the support of the FFSA, in terms of supervision and support. I already know the junior championship, I will therefore give everything to prevail. I've earned my chance to prove what I think I'm worth. »

As for Florian Bouchonneau, this 21-year-old auto mechanic “don’t really realize”. “ I learned about Rallye Jeunes FFSA when I saw Sébastien Loeb and Sébastien Ogier ride. I have been passionate since I was little. So I can't wait to discover the car and learn to drive. I hope not to disappoint the Federation”, says the native of Aubres (Drôme).

AUTO editorial staffhebdo sends its congratulations to the two winners!