Raphaël Astier in the French Rally Championship driving a Porsche 992 GT+

This is certainly one of the most exciting announcements on the sidelines of the start of the French Rally Championship season, scheduled from March 26 to 28 on the Rally Le Touquet – Pas de Calais. After several seasons under the wing AlpineRaphaël Astier, still co-piloted by Denis Giraudet, will now be driving a Porsche The 992 GT+ entered by CHL Sport Auto, which had already announced the participation of Hugo Margaillan and Réhane Gany earlier this week, marks a return to his roots ten years after Astier won the French Rally Cup Final in Lunéville at the wheel of a Porsche. He takes on a new challenge that is sure to generate considerable interest. He won't be the only Porsche driver in the French Rally Championship, as Patrick Rouillard is also returning this season.

Will Raphaël Astier be able to compete for the win in some rallies?

Equipped with Michelin tires, Raphaël Astier will be able to contend for the win in the Michelin Premium Trophy, as his new car is eligible just like his previous one was. Alpine A110 GT+. This is rather convenient, since in recent months the Clermont-Ferrand-based manufacturer has invested resources in developing a new tire adapted to this type of car. With this new weapon, Raphaël Astier will obviously be under pressure and could very well be a contender as soon as the conditions allow. We're thinking, in particular, of Le Touquet if the weather is favorable, the Rhône-Charbonnières Rally, as well as, of course, the Mont-Blanc Morzine Rally and the Cœur de France Rally, where he will almost certainly be reunited with Tony Cosson, who will be driving the same car and is competing this year in the French Rally Championship 2nd Division.

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