Michelin Rallye Tour – Rallye du Vallon de Marcillac

2 Wheel Drive – Winners – Sébastien Igonin / Marjorie Ponchon (Peugeot 106)

Born in Escoutoux in Puy-de-Dôme, the young 29-year-old driver who races a 106 in the F213 category began competing a dozen years ago... as a co-driver. After six years in the right seat, he invested in a car and started out as a driver. A navigator experience which greatly helps him in his piloting. “ I learned almost everything on the side. I started at 16, I didn't even know how to take a note. When I got behind the wheel in 2014, I finally knew how to do it, I knew the mechanics, how to set a time. It really meant a lot to me », confides the Puydômois who, with his car, started with the hill climb. “ I didn't have a driver and I wanted to see how I got on behind the wheel. As it went well, I looked for a co-pilot and launched into rally »

Sébastien Igonin is starting to get used to MRT victories © Anthony Segaud

For this new season, Sébastien Igonin has one goal in mind: to participate in the Coupe de France Final. “ This year, the Final will take place in Ambert near my home and I will do everything to achieve it. » To put the maximum advantage on his side, the driver of the 106 registered for the Michelin Rallye Tour. “ It's interesting, because there are quite a few advantages. Here in Marcillac, this is my second race after the Monts Dôme. Then, I will not be able to be at the Lozère round, and after that it will depend on my position in the qualification race. »

A qualification from which only 16 of the 40 drivers entered in the Auvergne League will benefit. “ I would have to finish here in the top 5 of the class to score points, otherwise I would revise my program downwards and go help the organizers of the Final. » There is no doubt that with a beautiful 14^eplace in the general and a 5^e in his group and a 2^e in his class, Sébastien Igonin will continue his season and the Michelin Rally Tour in order to win his holy grail.

Lucas Exbrayat: “We provide a lot of advice”
Michelin manager on the Rallye du Vallon de Marcillac

Lucas Exbrayat © Anthony Segaud

Why did you create the Michelin Rally Tour?

This allows Michelin to meet customers that we do not often meet outside of 1 events.^re and 2^e divisions. This is done through a calendar created according to a division into four of the map of France so that everyone can participate.

What are the advantages for those involved?

We provide a lot of advice, as well as technical assistance on the choice of rubber and pressures, without forgetting an assembly and disassembly service. Then, for the best drivers who have participated in at least four Michelin Rally Tour events – 2 national and 2 second divisions – they will be offered an all-inclusive race on a Rally2, a Clio FRC4 or a Alpine GT according to their category of participation. All this with the help of a coach in the event of their choice in the French Championship.

Next tests:

March 31-1^er April: Grasse Flowers and Perfumes Rally (06)

1^er April - April 2: Rallye Épernay Wines of Champagne (51) 

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