Var: Camilli wins ahead of Bonato

Having set the fastest time in the first special stage on Friday, Eric Camilli (i20 N Rally2-2C Compétition) perfectly mastered the Var roads, renowned for their demanding nature.

Under pressure from Yoann Bonato (C3 Rally2-Trajectus Motorsport) during the first leg, Camilli quickly built a gap at the start of the second day. Although threatened by Bonato towards the end of the race, the driver of the Hyundai He gave it his all in the final stage. Thus, he secured his fourth victory of the season after the Rouergue, the Mont-Blanc and the Critérium des Cévennes.
"This is the most beautiful one of the season.""That's great," rejoiced the winner at the finish line.

Not particularly comfortable for much of the stage, Yoann Bonato seemed to be searching for his footing, both in terms of his C3's setup and his driving. However, the six-time French Champion demonstrated his fighting spirit by closing to within five seconds of Camilli at the start of the final stage. Camilli ultimately prevailed, and Bonato secured his 13th consecutive podium finish in the French Rally Championship.

Yoann Bonato-Benjamin Boulloud ©Gregory Lenormand/DPPI

A distinguished guest at this 71st edition of Rally du Var, Sébastien LoebCo-driven by Laurène Godey, Loeb returned to the cockpit of the A110 GT-P. This had allowed him to win the Mont-Blanc Rally in 2024. On roads less suited to rear-wheel drive, Loeb was able to exploit the full potential of his car. Alpine to set two fastest times. Unfortunately, the nine-time World Champion WRC was caught out in SS 13 before being forced to retire.

Back in the French Championship, Réhane Gany (C3 Rally2-CHL Sport Auto) made a strong impression by securing a fine podium finish ahead of Raphaël Astier (A110 GT-P-CHL Sport Auto).

Rehane Gany-Franck Le Floch ©Bastien Roux/DPPI

Although his participation in the Var Rally was far from certain, Astier was finally able to start. His fourth-place finish overall and first place in the two-wheel-drive category allowed him to help his renowned co-driver, Denis Giraudet, win the French Rally Co-driver Championship title in the two-wheel-drive category.

Despite a season marked by "only" three rallies, Mathieu Franceschi (Fabia RS Rally2-AMD Motorsport) completes the Top 5 of the rally.

Rally du Var
The final classification

Provisional final standings of the 71st edition of the Rallye du Var