ERC4 Junior champion, Laurent Pellier wins his ticket for WRC3 Junior

How did this penultimate round at the Barum Rally go?

It wasn't easy. We encountered extremely variable weather conditions and even if we had a certain lead, a bad choice of tires could jeopardize everything. We have a limited quantity of tires and finding yourself on slicks in the rain or vice versa could compromise everything. However, as we managed to quickly open a gap, we were then able to take less risk.

How do you view your season?

I am very happy to have been able to compete in this championship which I find well put together. It is made up of beautiful tests which all have their own specificities. I also consider that we have good visibility with live stages. What Eurosport was doing wasn't bad, but the new promoter brought a different dynamic, a fresher eye. I feel like it's better followed than when I did it in 2018 with Peugeot . It is also true that our results should undoubtedly help. I still think thatERC is an interesting competition that is largely underestimated.

Is this title all the more valuable as the level of the category seemed to be raised this season?

We had to go get it! In each event we had to face one or more opponents. Antony Fotia in the Canaries, Toni Herranen in Poland and Oscar Palomo in Liepaja. Andrea Mabellini was also very consistent throughout the championship.

At the wheel of this Opel Corsa Rally4 Laurent Pellier and Marine Pelamourgues won on all surfaces (Red Bull Content Pool)

Are you driving an original car, there aren't many Corsas?

After 2021 on an electric version in Germany, this season's Opel was a Rally4 which is the equivalent of the 208 at Peugeot. They are almost identical and it is true that it is not too well known in France. This does not prevent it from working very well. It is undoubtedly the most versatile Rally4. The Corsa is efficient in all conditions.

You had already won titles. Where do you place the ERC one in your prize list?

I was French Junior champion in 2015 then there was the Volant Peugeot in 2017. Last year, it was in Germany as part of the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup that I won my last reward before the ERC. For me, this is the most beautiful because it remains a coronation in Europe where we had to fight on grounds that were not necessarily favorable to us. In Poland, we had a lead of 2 tenths before the final stage and we had to push really hard. I also had a lot of things to discover, including the car and the Pirellis, hence the satisfaction of having been champion.

What should this title allow you to do in the future?

The new promoter confirmed to me that it was a ticket to compete in the junior championship in WRC at the wheel of a Ford Fiesta Rally3. With experience, I've gotten into the habit of not being happy until I've signed my contract and seen what's in it, so we'll see if it comes to fruition. It would be a dream come true. I also have excellent relationships with Opel and the Stelantis group so why not imagine doing something in parallel with them? It's still a little early to talk about 2023. We will first of all savor this title and try to finish the ERC season well in Catalunya (October 20-23).