Rallye du Touquet – Ciamin sets the pace

Au volant de sa Citroën C3, Quentin Gilbert s’est offert la première spéciale du Championnat de France des Rallyes 2022. Quentin Giordano prenait quant à lui la deuxième place devant Nicolas Ciamin qui réussissait ses grands débuts au sein de la formation Hyundai.

Cruel disillusionment, however, for reigning champion Yoann Bonato who had to stop his Citroen C3 after only a few turns. Victim of a transmission failure while braking, he had to resolve to end this first day of the season.

BONATO Yoann, BOULLOUD Benjamin, Citroën C3 © Bastien Roux / DPPI

From the second special, Ciamin proved that he had not taken long to get the hang of his new mount and took over SS2 and the controls of the Rally. Proof of the level of this 2022 vintage, Pierre Roche occupied fourth place in the ranking at the end of the stage, just 10 seconds behind the Leader.

Nicolas Ciamin kept the pace in SS3 to consolidate his leadership position by 2″6 ahead of Quentin Gilbert who only gave up 2″6. Third in the special, Quentin Giordano then retained his place as runner-up overall by 1″2.

GIORDANO Quentin, PARENT Kevin, Volkswagen Polo, © Bastien Roux / DPPI

If Cédric Robert was angry after SS1, considering himself wronged by the inconvenience caused by the previous competitor, everything was back to normal for the fiery driver Alpine brilliant 5th overall.

Victim of an intermittent loss of power on his Volkswagen Polo, Eric Brunson limited the damage but was already more than 30 seconds behind the leader before a welcome technical break.

The second loop of two special stages starts at 17:55 p.m. with a second pass through Frencq-Widehem before concluding the day in Beussent-Parenty.

Rankings after SS3: