Monte-Carlo Rally – Cerny winner of a reduced WRC3

So far, the development of the Rally3 category remains moderate. While there were 28 Rally2s at the start of Monte-Carlo, there were only 6 Rally3s. This distribution is found in both championships. While 18 competitors were targeting WRC2, there were only 2 in WRC3. The Monaco meeting always has the disadvantage of taking place very early in the season and it is not impossible that candidates declare themselves later. This event is also very specific and undoubtedly arouses fear in drivers who can record 6 best results out of 7 rallies (4 out of 5 in 2023). It will be necessary to monitor whether the numbers increase during simpler rounds or whether there is a clear lack of interest in WRC3.

At Gap, the suspense only lasted the space of one special stage. Author of the scratch in Sisteron, the Frenchman Ghjuvanni Red then suffered the logical domination of Jan Cerny. At 33, the Czech driver, who has been racing since 2006, has plenty of experience after trying his luck in ERC, riding a WRC Academy or in the Citroën Racing Trophy. Already 2^e of WRC3 in 2022 behind Sami Pajari, Cerny is off to a good start to his season. The latter could have been content to aim for points for his championship, but he wanted to win in style.

Among the 5 French crews all with a Clio Rally3, Mattéo Chatillon was the toughest. Installed in the lead at the end of SS1, the Frenchman kept it until SS14. He then only had a 5''9 margin which Cerny made up on Sunday morning (SS15). Chatillon responded superbly in the Corobin giving himself a 7s lead again, but that was not enough. At the top of the Turini, it was the experienced Czech who won with a tiny gap of 9”1.

Cerny will defend his position in Sweden (February 15-18) where the JWRC will boost the category, while Rossi should be back in Portugal.

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