Loeb in the lead at the Epernay-Vins de Champagne Rally

Sébastien Loeb did not leave the slightest chance to his opponents in the first stage of the two stages of the Rally Epernay-Champagne wines. The nine-time world champion WRC won the five stages in his Citroën DS3 WRC to take the lead, 50 seconds ahead of Quentin Giordano's DS3 R5. “I was wary of these dusty and slippery roads in the second part. It’s a perfect first day”, declared the Alsatian.

Laurent Viana (DS3 WRC) completes the provisional podium just 20 seconds behind 2nd place. The battle for a place in the top three promises to liven up the second day since Viana only has a few seconds ahead of Peugeot 207 S2000 by Dominique Rebout, Jérôme Galpin and Mickaël Reydellet. The first 15 cars are less than two minutes behind the leader.

Results of the first stage