Bérard narrowly at the Venasque Rally

With a revised course, this event held around Pernes-les-Fontaines (Vaucluse) celebrated its 30th^e birthday. A fight of diabolical intensity began in the 1^re stage between Bérard and Belhomme, clocked at 3”5 after 6 SS. Scotto (at 31") and Panagiotis (at 34") scrapped for 3^e place. The next day in the long 2^e stage, the gap constantly playing like an accordion: two times from the finish only 1”9 separated the leading men. In the end, after winning 6 of the 12 ES, Bérard won his 2^e victory of the season after Vaison. Taking advantage of his knowledge of the terrain, Belhomme (double winner in 2016-2017) was aggressive until the finish despite the difference in equipment. Panagiotis (GT), Grandordy (N), and Gros (F2000) were riding alone in their categories, while after the domination of Saunier (DS3) in the 1^re stage, Mottard recovered on Sunday by winning the Gr.R. R. Alezra

Ranking : 1. Bérard-Romero (Peugeot 207 S2000) 1h08’4’’2 (1^er Group A), 2. Belhomme-Reyre (Renault Clio S1600) at 6'', 3. Scotto La Chianca-Fotia (Skoda Fabia) at 40'', 4. L. Panagiotis-Goddi (Porsche 996 GT3) at 1'23'' (1^er Gr. GT), 5. Grandordy-Vincent (Megane) at 2'24'' (1^er Gr.N), 6. Mottard-Occhipinti (Fabia) at 3'04'' (1^er Gr. R), 7. Bernard-Ferre (Mitsubishi Lancer) at 3'40'', 8. Blanc-Sorba (Porsche 996 GT3) at 3'48'', 9. Ganguet-Frison (Fabia) at 4'02 '', 10. Caradec-Escartefigue (Clio) at 4'53'', 11. Gros-Note (Ford Fiesta) at 5'15'' (1^er Gr. F2000), etc.