A positive Japan rally for the Chazel team

Among the many structures installed in the assistance park around the Toyota Stadium in Japan, that of Chazel Technologie Course was acclaimed by the spectators. In addition to the Clio Rally3 of Ghjuvanni Red and Kylian Sarmezan, it is above all theAlpine A110 Rally RGT that attracted attention. The car driven by Armand Fumal and his co-driver Jules Escartefigue was unique, new and above all it had one of the most original decorations on the grid. On its sides, there was indeed the Koi carp and the dragon Ryu, the actors of a very famous legend in the land of the rising sun. With the involvement ofAlpine Japan, the Chazel family, which was represented by Louis (the son) and Victoire (his sister), set up this operation to introduce this car to fans of the discipline.Alpine is sold in Japan, but it has never been seen in rallyGiven the performance of the Belgian driver, it would not be surprising if other examples were at the start next year.

Evolving in Alpine for a little over 3 years, Fumal started on this round. Considering that the terrain was not completely cut out for the A110, the 55-year-old Belgian managed his event well, agreeing to "sacrifice" some overly complicated SS (SS2/5) before raising the tone on sections more to his liking. Not going unnoticed with its look and livery, the modern Berlinette also won the two-wheel drive category. We can be satisfied with this participation., explained Louis Chazel a few minutes before going up on the podium with the members of his team. We had a good week with operations on site and then a trouble-free race. We are already starting to look at what will be possible next year. »

Ghjuvanni Rossi could see that the rally is popular in Japan (Photo: Nikos Katikis/DPPI)

Rossi poorly rewarded

After participations in Monte-Carlo, Portugal, Sardinia and Chile, Ghjuvanni Rossi came to discover Japan. The driver from Bastia was not too disoriented. "It turns like in Corsica," he laughed before the start. On the other hand, in terms of grip, it's nothing like that. Here, it's much more slippery." Opposed to Diego Dominguez, the 3 WRC2024 champion, the Frenchman had a good reference to calibrate himself. His start to the event was promising since he led the category until SS5. He then stayed in contact with the Paraguayan, finishing Friday just 2'' behind. Less bloody on Saturday, Rossi lost all his chances with an alternator problem (SS15). Back in the race on Sunday, he made a point of honour of winning 4 of the 5 SS on Sunday to draw up a positive assessment of this trip where the 24-year-old will have gained even more experience.

For the team based in Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort (Gard), this participation was a success and the rest is already in the pipeline with several crews expected for Monte-Carlo (January 23-26).