Pieter Tsjoen favorite at Le Touquet

Pieter Tsjoen (Ford Focus WRC), winner with ease of the last Rally du Touquet, last October, returns this weekend to the land of his exploits. The Belgian, who won the national title across Quiévrain between the two Touquettoise editions, returns with new ambitions. “ This year, as we are registered for the Drivers' Championship, we hope to start the year on a positive note. And why not with a victory like six months ago in the same place! »

In particular, he will have to face three other WRCs, the Subaru Impreza WRCs of José Barbara and Pierre Roché, as well as the Peugeot 206 WRC of Jean-Charles Beaubelique. But the roads of Pas-de-Calais will also be used by five Super 2000 cars, with drivers no less motivated, starting with Julien Maurin (Ford Fiesta S2000), Bryan Bouffier (Peugeot 207 S2000), Cyril Audirac (Peugeot 207 S2000 ), Clément Dub (Fiat Abarth S2000) and Thomas Barral (Fiat Abarth S2000).

But the sporting battle will only arrive after the administrative battle, which took place all winter. After a last edition in October 2009, holding the 50th edition in March 2010 was not obvious. “ With only five months of preparation since the last edition, the 50th rally was very difficult to put together on all fronts. », confirms Jean-Pierre Lengagne, president of the Organizing Committee.

On a sporting level, the entry list promises some great duels in the different categories. “ The line-up is qualitative and we will see some new products appear here, which will be accompanied by superb matches, whether in the CFR Team, for the scratch, or even with the Super 2000, without forgetting the promotional categories and all the regionals ! », welcomes Jean-Pierre Lengagne.

Overall, the Rally is faithful to its past, even if some modifications should be noted, such as the reversal of direction of certain special stages. On the other hand, the seafront super special, initiated in 2009, will be organized again, with a quadruple passage of drivers on the Touquet sea wall. It is also this super special which will open the event on Friday at 18:55 p.m. and which will close it on Sunday from 11:30 a.m.