The Final of the French Rally Cup is launched in Béthune

Initially scheduled for October 2022, the annual high mass of rally amateur had to be canceled at the last minute amid a social crisis. Thanks to the joint efforts of the Ligue des Hauts de France, the Stade Béthunois Automobile and the FFSA, a postponement was quickly made, and we will know on Saturday evening who succeeds Stéphane Lefebvre on the list.

The formidable Renault 5 Turbo by Jean Galpin, winner in 1987 © Damien Saulnier / DPPI

While the first competitors crossed the podium at 09:00 a.m. to start the prologue at 10:03 a.m., here is a brief overview of the forces present.

Les Engagés – Final of the French Rally Cup

The winner of the 2023 Routes du Nord, Jérémi Ancian is the favorite and hopes to continue his invincibility in the French Rally Cup. To win, he will have to repel the attacks of drivers accustomed to laurels in promotional formulas such as Thomas Chauffray, winner of the Clio Trophy France 2022, and regulars on the podium in the Coupe de France including David Salanon who could well see himself clinching a third crown, after Anglet 2010 and Autun 2011.

Another driver in sight, Mickael Reydellet will for the occasion be co-driven by the native of the country (three victories at Béthune) and outgoing winner of the French Rally Cup, Stéphane Lefebvre, who could thus become the first man to win as pilot and co-pilot. As for the Skoda Fabia armada, Sébastien Alemany and Antonin Mougin will have a great card to play. The latter will be guided by Isabelle Galmiche, Sébastien’s designated co-pilot. Loeb.

Anthony Cosson and Kevin Millet ready to put on a show with their Porsche 911 © Damien Saulnier / DPPI

With their powerful Porsches, Anthony Cosson and Ghislain Barbier seem to be the only ones who can get in among the R5/Rally2, even more so if the ground is dry. Sole representative Alpine on this final, the winner of the Michelin Rally Tour 2021, Raphaël Marry should put up good resistance against them in the FRGT group.

Timetables – Final of the French Rally Cup

Marc Amourette, winner of seven events this season will have the honor of wearing number 1 and will as such be the first driver to get on the starting podium on Friday February 17 at 09:00 a.m. to take charge of the prologue responsible for determine the starting order of the competitors for the 115 km of special stages on the program.

• 09:00 a.m.: Podium start
• 10:03 a.m.: Prologue
• 11:08 a.m.: Regrouping
• 14:30 p.m.: Departure 1st section
• 16:08 p.m.: SS1
• 16:46 p.m.: SS2
• 17:39 p.m.: SS3
• 18:44 p.m.: Support
• 19:24 p.m.: Arrival