Clear advantage for Ciamin at the Rallye du Touquet

Clearly confident at the wheel of the Polo GTI R5, Nicolas Ciamin dominated the first stage of the Rallye du Touquet and has a good lead over a chasing pack fighting for the podium.

Published on 17/03/2023 à 20:59

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Clear advantage for Ciamin at the Rallye du Touquet

Nicolas Ciamin and Yannick Roche solid leaders this evening ©Grégory Lenormand / DPPI

Untouchable during the first loop with all the scratches up for grabs, Nicolas Ciamin (Polo GTI R5-Sarrazin Motorsport) set off again at the same pace, adapting his choice of tires with 4 soft compounds and 2 “rain” tires. The Polo-Nicolas Ciamin-Yannick Roche trio, managed by Sarrazin Motorsport, remains in search of perfection, while remaining frozen at the top of the timesheet with 7 best times out of the 8 possible this Friday. “I have to keep a good pace”, recognized Ciamin, also leader of the Michelin Premium Trophy, on the evening of the first stage.

The only driver able to prevent Nicolas Ciamin from setting all the best times in this first stage, Thomas Chauffray (Fabia Rally2 evo) took advantage of his scratch in SS 6, to move up to second place and maintain his position throughout the day. “It’s getting better and better for us”, released the recent winner of the 2022 Coupe de France Final.

Thomas Chauffray – Photo Bastien Roux / DPPI

William Wagner (Polo GTI R5-Sarrazin Motorsport) and Hugo Margaillan (C3 Rally2-CHL Sport Auto) went blow for blow during this second loop of the first stage. “We stay in touch, tomorrow will be a big day”, recognizes Margaillan, third at the end of this first day. Pointed at only 0”3, Wagner knows that the second stage will be decisive.

“Glad to have found a good rhythm again” after a tricky first loop, Eric Camilli (C3 Rally2-PH Sport by Minerva Oil) completed the Top 5 and was ahead of Yoann Bonato (C3 Rally2-CHL Sport Auto), trapped in a tricky day.

Eric Camilli – Photo Grégory Lenormand / DPPI

Alpine in front of Porsche

Cédric Robert (A110 Rally-Bonneton HDG) and Stéphane Lefebvre (991 GT3 Cup) were at the head of the "two-wheel drive", while rekindling the public's passion for these timeless propulsions. Lefebvre (outside the 2WD championship) also had a comfortable lead in the Michelin Amateur Trophy.

Quentin Gilbert (A110 Rally) confirmed his adaptation to driving an R-GT by remaining in the wake of Raphaël Astier (A110 Rally).

Anthony Folia (208 Rally4) was quick to show his ambitions by dominating this first stage of the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup from start to finish. Lucas Darmezin (208 Rally4) tamed the roads of northern France to beat Louis Constant (208 Rally Cup).

With three drivers in 4''1, the Clio Trophy France always has its share of suspense in store. Arthur Pelamourgue (Clio Rally5) returned as leader of this first stage ahead of Patrick Magnou (Clio Rally5) and Valentin Ascenzi (Clio Rally5).

Faithful to her Fiesta Rally3, Mireille Vidueira had a very large lead after 8 special stages.