Ludovic Gal: “Delighted that it’s starting again”

In addition to Pierre Roché (Team FJ), winner of the event, and William Wagner (PH Sport), Ludovic Gal and Sarrazin Motorsport had also returned to school during the Rally of Autun (August 21-23), in order to best prepare for the deadlines of the French Rally Championship and the resumption at Mont-Blanc tomorrow.

Une épreuve conclue en septième position pour le pilote de la Hyundai i20 R5, mais l’essentiel n’était clairement pas le résultat pour le gérant des Voyages Gal.

“Autun was a big test session, Ludovic Gal confided to us. The Hyundai i20 R5 has all the 2020 Evos, which we already had in Le Touquet, but we were not able to work on everything due to small mechanical problems. And we haven't driven since.

The break period was very long and it was complicated, and we also had professional problems to manage. However, we are delighted that it is starting again. »

The business leader acknowledges that the complete overhaul of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic is likely to change his initial plans for his national program.

“I hope we can participate in as many events as possible. Between the recce and the race, we have to leave for 4 to 5 days, so almost a week. Which is not easy when you are a company manager or employee.

The end of 2020 will therefore be different from what we had imagined. The problem is that the championship is extremely condensed, and to the financial difficulty will be added that of freeing up with the races every fortnight. Especially in September. I think the Heart of France will be deadlocked. There are 4, 5 drivers who will be able to finish the championship.

Here, at Mont-Blanc, the field is complete, and I especially hope that it will not be a flash in the pan just in the first events. The challenge will perhaps be more for 2021.”

For Sarrazin Motorsport, the recovery was also marked by the Terre de Lozère last weekend, and the Rallye du Mont-Blanc will see Stéphane Sarrazin's structure work on several tables.

“Quentin Giordano and Ludovic Gal will be in R5, and Quentin aims to continue his momentum from his second place in Le Touquet, indicates the boss-pilot. Last year, he was here at Mont-Blanc very quickly. Damien Mattei and Renault Clio Rally5 will try to play at the front in a great field, and we also have a Peugeot 208 R2 for Xavier François-Blanc.

The recovery was good with Ludo in Autun. It was mainly to get back into the swing of things with the Hyundai i20 R5. » 

Concerning the continuation of the debates and the prospect of the 2021 campaign, Stéphane Sarrazin wants to be optimistic for his team in the face of a still uncertain situation. “We have a real base of activity, specifies the ex-Peugeot Sport driver. I don't have too many worries, we will adapt. »