Michelin Rallye Tour – Rallye des Vins-Mâcon

4 Wheel Drive Winners – Denis Millet and Romain Blondeau-Toiny (Volkswagen Polo Rally2)

Winner of the Michelin Rally Tour 2022, Bisontin Denis Millet has once again registered for this Rally des Vins-Mâcon which he won last year at the wheel of his Polo Rally2. “I am very happy with the result (2^e scratch), even if last year I won here. I knew that Jérémi (Elder. Editor’s note) would be very fast despite his lack of knowledge of the terrain. »

Denis Millet and Romain Blondeau-Toiny (Volkswagen Polo Rally2) © Vincent Voirin

The Franc-Comtois adds: “I don't know why, but on Saturday I wasn't too confident with the Michelin H30, which is a tire that I love. I was not able to free myself 100%. Especially since Jérémi hit hard in the 1^re special. From the outset, he gained a strong ascendancy. Sunday, I spent the day with the N20s, it went very well. I found confidence and pleasure again. The tire did not deteriorate at all even in the long section, it's a shame that we couldn't make the morning passage in this special, the most beautiful of the rally for me. » Next up for Denis Millet will be Vosges-Grand Est (June 16-18).

2 Wheel Drive Winners – Florent Thomas and Clémence Thomas (Peugeot 206 Super 1600) 

Reaching the finishing podium was a real emotional moment for Florent Thomas. For his first “real” rally with this car and after two years without having driven it, the performance is not lacking in relief. “The tires were royal! ", declared the Mâconnais. The Bourguignon, on the other hand, was not spared from mechanical problems; he notably suffered engine shutdowns during the first day. But, for the first time, the local winegrower saw the end of the Vins-Mâcon rally.

Florent Thomas and Clémence Thomas (Peugeot 206 Super 1600) © Vincent Voirin

“The objective was really to finish it, which we managed to do”, he rejoices before adding : " This car (a Peugeot 206 Super 1600. Editor’s note)belonged to my cousin, who passed away last year. We wanted to pay him this tribute by climbing onto the finishing podium. » Florent and Clémence Thomas complete the event at 26^e place, at 10^e rank in group RC4 and on the podium in class A6K. For the rest, nothing defined, “work above all, but it will certainly be two small regional rallies”. 

Second 2WD – Cédric Farlay and Virginie Bouchut (Clio Ragnotti) 

“It was a bit rock n’ roll!” », laughed Cédric Farlay in the queue to reach the finishing podium. “Even though I have had a license since 1987 and I come from the Monts du Lyonnais which are quite close, I had never ridden in Vins-Mâcon. The event often falls on the same date as that of the Monts du Forez, but this year it was not the case so we came. For this discovery, the locals were waiting for us, but we were able to rise to the challenge! It's nice and it's fun when people from here come to ride at my place, we do the same thing. »

Cédric Farlay and Virginie Bouchut (Clio Ragnotti) © Vincent Voirin

At the wheel of his Clio Ragnotti, associated with Virginie Bouchut, he ranks 32^e scratch, 14^e from group RC4 and won class A7. “The Michelin tires were fantastic this weekend. It might not seem like it, but it's a demanding rally for both the mechanics and the crew. Completing this event is worth it! It’s a very well organized competition”, concludes the pilot.