Cher Valley Rally: Morin, finally

Taffonneau quickly eliminated on exit, Morin took the lead and resisted the attacks of Hernandez and Fauguet who were trying their hand in a Skoda Fabia. After a good choice of tires, Hernandez put pressure on Morin and came back strong at the end of the rally but Berrichon narrowly won. After five unsuccessful attempts, Morin finally defeated the Indian sign. Quickly deprived of his toughest opponent Blondel, Robineau had the way clear in group N. In group F2000, the abandonments of successive leaders Launay, then Surin, kept Gardan's business in ambush. Vaucel took the advantage in group A but his retirement gave victory to Bricout. Note that the new “noon-midnight” formula of this rally appealed to the competitors despite canceled special stages and fixed times for some. F. Fayman

Ranking  : 1. M. & C. Morin (Ford Fiesta) 1h01'07"9 (1st Gr. R), 2. Hernandez-Bronner (Skoda Fabia) at 5", 3. Fauguet-Petitjean (Fabia) at 42", 4. Robineau-Percina (Renault Megane RS) at 3’06” (1st Gr. N), 5. Gardan-Robe (Peugeot 106 S16) at 3'53" (1st Gr. F2000), 6. Longépé-Corbineau (Clio 4 RS) at 4'28", 7. P. & N. Léon (Seat Ibiza) at 5'06", 8 . C. & R. Bricout (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo6) at 5'23" (1st Gr. A), 9. M. & N. Francière (Lancer Evo9) at 6'01", 10. S. & D. Mahier (Clio Ragnotti) at 6'25", 18. Jeanolle-Granger (BMW 135i) at 8'39" (1st Gr. GT), etc.