Antibes: Camilli as boss

Left with the number 6 on the doors of his Hyundai, Eric Camilli (i20 N Rally2-Team Bonneton HDG-2C Compétition) undoubtedly dominated the first stage. Leader since SS 1 with a very fast time to his name, the driver from Nice continued at the same pace all day.
With complete confidence behind the wheel of his i20, Camilli is more than 36 seconds ahead of his pursuers at the end of this first day. He can calmly approach the six special stages scheduled for tomorrow. “We attacked, Camilli congratulated herself. It feels like 2018-2019 when I was riding a lot. I'm starting to get to know rallies well and it feels good. I don't really realize it! I love the car, I had a blast behind the wheel. »

Yoann Bonato/Benjamin Boulloud – Photo Bastien Roux / DPPI

Surprised by the grip at the start of rally, Yoann Bonato (C3 Rally2-Trajectus Motorsport) moved up to second place: “We are happy with what we did. They were very fast up front! » Recognized the current leader of the French Championship.

Anthony Fotia/William Hanocq – Photo Bastien Roux / DPPI

If second place is a good accounting transaction, Bonato must nevertheless be wary of the PH Sport by Minerva Oi drivers. Anthony Fotia (C3 Rally2) and Léo Rossel (C3 Rally2) engage in an intense duel for third place on the podium. Advantage to Fotia who is 8,1 seconds ahead of his teammate. “We are in the right car, noted Fotia. We still have some pop-off issues but I think that hasn't caused us to waste too much time. »

Alpine anime

Hugo Margaillan (i20 N Rally2-CHL Sport Auto) and Jean-Baptistte Franceschi (Fiesta Rally2-Sarrazin Motorsport-Iron Lynx) close the Top 5 at the end of this first day. Both drivers were able to create a gap and are ready to seize the slightest opportunity to move up the rankings.

This was the big news of this rally: the debut of theAlpine A110 Rally GT+ with Raphaël Astier (CHL Sport Auto) at the wheel. The start was promising with a scratch in SS 2. Unfortunately, Astier was forced to retire in the following SS.

Cédric Robert/Mathieu Duval – Photo Bastien Roux / DPPI

On the two-wheel drive side, Cédric Robert (A110 Rally-Team Bonneton HDG-2C Compétition) was leading the way but he had to retire on the road after the last special of the day.

Pierre Roché (A110 Rally-Team FJ), Trophy leader Alpine took the opportunity to take the lead in the 2WD ranking.

Yann Clairay/Gilles de Turckheim – Photo Bastien Roux / DPPI

Leading the Trophy after the first loop, former track rider Yann Clairay (A110 Rally) lost ground at the end of the day. He is now in second place, 5,4 seconds behind Roché. The last stage will be decisive between these two drivers. On the provisional podium, Ludovic Godard (A110 Rally-PH Sport by Minerva Oil) fully intends to get involved in the fight between Roché and Clairay.

Lucas Darmezin/Valentin Augé – Photo Damien Saulnier / DPPI

In the Michelin Amateur Trophy, Lucas Darmezin (208 Rally4) took the lead over Pablo Sarrazin (208 Rally4) and will start the second stage with more than 48 seconds ahead of his rival.

Tomorrow the route will once again be demanding for the drivers with six special stages on the program including the legendary Col de Turini to be passed twice. The start of SS 7 is scheduled from 8:56 a.m.

The Top 30 at the end of the first day