Intractable Arzéno at the Rallye du Gard

Contested under oppressive heat and very tricky roads, the 46^e edition Rally du Gard had gathered eight R5s and one WRC. It was marked by the undivided domination of the Provençal Mathieu Arzéno. Rousset (C4), victim of a puncture (SS1) then power steering at half mast, gave up on Saturday evening. The former Echappement hopeful, at a metronome pace, completed 8 of the 10 special stages on the program with a latest generation Skoda that he was testing for the national final of which he will be one of the favorites. Second, the Auvergne Habouzit, on a similar car, confirmed his certain talent by dropping only 29”. Behind, Rossel, overwhelmed by problems (overheating then faulty coil) only raised his head on the 2 stages of the Mechanical Pole. Third, he precedes the former official Peugeot , Bourcier (207 S2000), leader of group A who moved up a notch when Clémençon gave up (mechanical). In F2000, Pistachi (BMW) wins after the problems which overwhelmed Monteil (box) and Brunet (power steering). Bugiste Mollas (Mitsu) dominated group N from start to finish. A. Lauret

Ranking : 1. Arzéno-Roche (Skoda Fabia R5) 1h14’12”3 (1^er Gr. R), 2. Habouzit-Ferraud (Fabia) at 29", 3. Rossel-Fulcrand (DS3 R5) at 1'23", 4. Bourcier-Ducousso (Peugeot 207 S 2000) at 4'11" (1^er Gr. A), 5. Fabre-Delorme (208 T 16) at 5'45", 6. C. & Y. Moulin (Ford Fiesta R5) at 6'01", 7. Pistachi-Bonicel (BMW Compact) at 6’26” (1^er GR. F 2000), 8. Héron-Codémo (Fiesta R5) à 6’34 », 9. J. & R. Monteil (307) à 6’39 », 10. Janel-Villegas (Porsche 997 GT3) à 7’14 » (1^er Gr. GT), … 14. Mollas-Charvaz (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) at 8’12” (1^er Gr.N), etc.