Thierry Law-Long winner by two seconds at Reunion!

Damien Dorseuil on his Ford Fiesta R5 almost created a surprise by gaining 13 seconds from Law Long's Fabia R5 in the final special of the rally, but the latter, who had certainly engaged in an overly exaggerated “Management” mode, finally won his second Tour Auto de la Réunion.

“I told myself that it had come very close… But it’s better than winning without suspense with a minute to spare,” laughed Thierry Law-Long

Beaten by the Ford Fiesta R5 of Damien Dorseuil in the opening special of La Renaissance on Friday evening, Thierry Law-long brought things back to the point of entry during the second day of racing, regaining the lead on the first pass through Les Radiers and not letting go until the finish.

Samuel Bellon (VW Polo R5) took third place after an intense battle with Sébastien Lafuteur (Skodia Fabia R5). Stéphane Lefebvre used his experience to win in 2 Wheel Drive ahead of Nazim Bangui.

Stéphane Lefebvre wins in 2-wheel drive © Frédéric Liron

Just behind, Florent Pausé won the R4 in his Mitsubishi Lancer. The other group winners are Rajesh Asby (Peugeot 207 RC) who was the only one to finish in R3, Joël Boyer (Citroen C2) in R2 and Jean Laurent Allamele (Ctroen DS3) in R1 while Loic Grondin won Group F in his Peugeot 208.

Rarely, the Tour Auto launched this rally season in Reunion. Almost two years after the last edition, it was a real pleasure for the many rally fans on the island to see the race revived. The new ASA president of the meeting, Muriel Rajoel can rejoice in the success of the event, the fruit of many sleepless nights and the unwavering and passionate support of the organizing ASA volunteers.

Find in issue 2322 of AUTOhebdo, on sale Monday evening in digital version and Wednesday on newsstands, the report of the event by our special correspondent Frédéric Liron.