Rouergue: Bonato takes back the lead

Yoann Bonato and Eric Camilli, both with two fastest times, shared the lead in the rally. Bonato ultimately took the lead before the start of the final loop of the day.

Published 04/07/2025 à 14:23

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Yoann Bonato-Benjamin Boulloud ©Bastien Roux/DPPI

First leader of rally, Yoann Bonato (C3 Rally2-Trajectus Motorsport) was unable to contain the attacks of Eric Camilli (i20 N Rally2-2C Compétition). The latter had two consecutive scratch wins (SS2 and 3) and was leading the provisional classification.

Eric Camilli-Thibault de la Haye ©Bastien Roux / DPPI

Everything would come down to SS4, a new timed section. At the time, the leader, Camilli, suffered a puncture and lost just under ten seconds. This setback relegated him to provisional third place.

Cautious when necessary, Bonato was able to manage this long start to the rally to regain the lead before the start of SS5.

In great shape behind the wheel of his Alpine, Raphaël Astier (A110 GT-P-CHL Sport Auto) notably distinguished himself with the best time in SS 4. He occupies provisional second place, less than 2 seconds behind the leader.

Raphael Astier-Denis Giraudet ©Bastien Roux / DPPI

Hugo Margaillan (i20 N Rally2-CHL Sport Auto) and Styve Juif (C3 Rally2-PH Sport by Minerva Oil) complete the Top 5 at the start of the rally, but Réhane Gany (C3 Rally2-Sarrazin Motorsport-Iron Lynx) remains in contact with his direct rivals.

Julien Deslauriers (Clio Rally5) was solid. He also took advantage of Jean-Claude Pietri's "touch" to gain a lead of more than 25 seconds over his pursuers in the Clio Trophy France Asphalte.