Balinari power 4 at the Rallye du Pays du Gier

Winner of the last two editions, Carron very quickly found in the person of his Swiss compatriot Ballinari a serious opponent for victory. At the end of the shortened first stage (only 1 stage) and in very difficult weather conditions (fog and rain), only 12” separated the two drivers. Behind, Prevalet was already 1'31 behind. The next day, the battle continued and Carron set the scratch times. Before the last loop of three stages, he had a 40'' lead over the driver of the Skoda, but the driver of the Ford made a mistake and went off the road on SS 6, leaving Ballinari alone. The latter managed his lead, leaving Lecureux to take the last three scratches, to sign his fourth victory on this terrain. In group N, after a difficult start to the race on Friday evening, Le Coarer left no hope to his opponents and won by more than 45'' over his closest rival, scoring valuable points for the Final which will take place in Burgundy. For the group F2000, Lecki took the lead after SS5 and never let go. In group A, Brun had a boulevard after the exit of the Swiss Rappaz (Peugeot 207 S2000) in SS 4. Easy victory in Sanlaville GT, only competitor in this category. F. Lombard

Ranking : 1. Ballinari-Pianca (Skoda Fabia R5) 1h30'39'' (1^er Gr. R), 2. Lecureux-Marion (Citroën DS3 R5) at 2'23'', 3. Bonnefond-Blondeau Toiny (DS3 R5) at 3'31'', 4. Mounard-Marrel (DS3 R3) at 5'00'', 5. Prevalet-Pagnier (DS3 R3) at 5'15'', 6. Schneeberger-Schneeberger (Ford Fiesta) at 5'39'', 7. Althaus-Bayard (Fiesta) at 6'21'', 8. Salomon-Comment (Fiesta) at 7'31'', 9. Brun-Baldasso (Subaru Impreza) at 7'33'' (1^er Gr. A), 10. Michaud Maillet-Chaffaud (Renault Clio R3) at 7'51'', ... 15. Lecki-Lamur (Peugeot 306) at 10'18'' (1^er Gr. F2000), … 23. Le Coarer-Maniglier (Impreza) at 12'35'' (1^er Gr.N), … 47. Sanlaville-Sanlaville (Lotus Exige) at 18'10'' (1^er Gr GT), etc.