Rallye de France, a popular success

Le Rally of France ? Alsace, after several days of an unprecedented popular festival, is clearly a success. If details remain to be resolved at the organizational level, the result is very good for a first. All the actors of the WRC left Alsace delighted with the atmosphere and the enthusiasm of the public around the event.

« I was very impressed by the number of spectators at the side of the roads, confided Petter Solberg upon his arrival in Strasbourg. I have never seen that on a rally, not for several years. Such an atmosphere, such fervor, it?s simply incredible. We must congratulate the organization, which was excellent. Given the crowds this weekend, just one special canceled is a performance. »

Sébastien Loeb, celebrated at home by his audience, could not say anything else. “ It was just crazy. It?s incredible how big it was throughout the weekend. I knew that I was expected, that there would be people along the roads but, at this point, it's incredible. I have never seen so many people at a rally. »

His teammate and compatriot Sébastien Ogier, surprised by such fervor, confirms his elder's point of view. " It is clearly I have never seen so many people on a rally. It’s good that the Rallye de France is taking place like this. And it?s very good for Sébastien, that he can celebrate this title in front of his audience. »

Nicolas Deschaux, president of the French Motor Sport Federation, promoter of the event, also highlights the success of this weekend and expects a second edition of the Rallye de France in Alsace in 2011. “ From the start, we wanted to create a story and I hope today that the city of Strasbourg and the Regional Council will continue their efforts to maintain this event. I believe they are very, very motivated », Confided the president of the FFSA on France 3.

The first estimates speak of 300 spectators coming to applaud the actors of the Rallye de France. This figure exceeds the expectations of the FFSA, which, in April, when the course was presented, hoped for 000 spectators. The passion for automobiles in Alsace, the popularity of Sébastien Loeb, the possibility of seeing him drive on the roads of his region as well as that of seeing him titled a seventh time made it possible to attend a very beautiful popular festival, a undeniable success. If nothing is assured for 200, there is no doubt that this success will motivate those involved to continue next year.