Rallye du Touquet – Eric Brunson wins for the fourth time

And four! Eric Brunson offered himself a fourth victory at the rally du Touquet, the third in a row since 2011, at the end of the second stage, Saturday March 16. A logical victory, as the Calvadosian showed himself untouchable the day before, during the first stage, by being the sole leader.

Author of only one scratch during the five specials this Saturday, the driver of the Subaru Impreza WRC SB12 secured its first place, attacking when necessary. Because it would be wrong to say that the Deauvillais had the easy part. In ambush, Jean-Marie Cuoq gave everything during this last day. Better still, the reigning French rally champion even managed to halve his gap on the leader at the end of the 10th special, considerably restarting the spectacle two stages from the finish. Stung, Eric Brunson was going to increase the pace in the 11th timed sector so as not to get his hair knocked out on the post. If this penultimate special will ultimately be won by Jean-Marie Cuoq at the wheel of his Citroën C4, the Subaru driver will only finish a breath away (0,2 seconds) from his main rival, thus ensuring him a sufficient lead before tackle the final super special of the rally.

A final special won by Pierre Roché. Consistent throughout this second stage, the Mini Countryman WRC driver, just like last year, took the lowest step on the podium. Behind him in the scratch ranking we find Julien Maurin. The driver of the Ford Fiesta was very energetic this weekend, notably signing two scratches during this second stage. The driver could have done much better if he had not been seriously handicapped after a puncture during the first stage.

Next meetings with the Terre des Causses rally, from April 5 to 7, and the Lyon Charbonnières, from April 18 to 20.

Discover the report of the Rallye du Touquet produced by our special correspondent in the next issue of AUTOhebdo, available from Tuesday in digital version for iPad, PC and Mac, and from Wednesday on newsstands.