Mont-Blanc Rally: Loeb unlucky, Bonato winner!

Sébastien Loeb have chosen the Rally Mont-Blanc Morzine to bring out its legendary 306 Maxi. For his return to the French special stages, the nine-time World Rally Champion once again displayed all his talent with his two-wheel drive against the all-wheel drive of the Rally2 category.

Sixth on the evening of the first stage, Loeb, co-driven by the insatiable Daniel Elena, brought all his driving knowledge to bear to get back into the match for the podium. Better still, the Alsatian went for the scratch time in the 9,74 km of the Bonnevaux ES to confirm that he had every intention of fighting for the podium.

Alas, his venerable 306 Maxi decided to play naughty tricks on him during the last special of the rally with various problems (brakes, shock absorbers and gear selector) which cost him more than thirty seconds during the final special of the rally. Finally sixth in this 73rd edition of the Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine, “Seb” Loeb nevertheless delighted all the spectators who came en masse to Haute-Savoie.

Second, one second behind Quentin Giordano after the first stage, Yoann Bonato took advantage of the arrival of rain and a strategic choice of tires to get back on Giordano in the penultimate time of the rally. Once in the lead, the three-time French Rally Champion mastered the final stages perfectly to claim a fifth victory in Morzine. Second, Quentin Giordano also won the Michelin “R5” Trophy.

Back for a "one shot" with a Fabia R5, Quentin Gilbert did not hold back against William Wagner to grab third place after the exit of Ludovic Gal at the start of the day.

Having started a crazy comeback after his puncture the day before, Eric Camilli moved up to fourth place to score big points which allowed him to stay in contact with Bonato and Giordano, both co-leaders of the Championship.

In great shape behind the wheel of his Alpine R-GT, Cédric Robert takes seventh place in the general classification in addition to his victory in the Michelin “Hors R5” Trophy and in the Two-Wheel Drive Championship. THE Alpine dominated the two-wheel drive classification with second place for Julien Saunier, also winner of the Trophy Alpine.

Hugo Margaillan was a success in the 208 Rally Cup with victory and points for best performer. The CHL driver is ahead of the “junior” Réhane Gany, author of a flawless performance on the roads alpines. Freshly arrived in the 208 Rally Cup, Nazim Bangui completes the podium.

Romain di Fante performs very well in the Clio Trophy France. After an unusual choice of tires he went for first place in the final stages of the rally to beat Styve Juif, at ease in the stages in the Morzine region.

Often placed, Romain Fostier did not give in to score his first podium in Clio Trophy France this season.
All the players in the French Rally Championship will now meet at the Rallye Coeur de France on September 25 and 26.