Jean-Joseph Galeani triumphs at Roches Brunes

Le premier rally The Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur League calendar event took place last weekend. The 13th edition of the Rallye des Roches Brunes – Le Plan was initially scheduled to welcome its reigning champion, Eliott Delecour, as well as one of the major figures in local rallies, Nicolas Schifano. Neither of them ultimately took part. As a result, the competition was expected to feature at least four duos: Laurent Lacomy and Yoann Bouchet (Citroën C3 Rally2), the early rally leaders; David Rebotier and Jean-Luc Franco (Škoda Fabia R5); and Pierre-Paul Baltolu and Florian Chardon (Hyundai i20N Rally2) and Jean-Joseph Galeani and Mathieu Coppa (Hyundai i20N Rally2). The latter two crews certainly livened up the start of the race, each in their own way. While in contention for a podium finish, Baltolu – Chardon suffered a mechanical issue in the fourth stage of the rally and had to retire. A thrilling battle then ensued between the other remaining contenders, with Galeani and Lacomy trading the lead.

The rally's conclusion comes at the very end.

But the Hyundai driver managed to temporarily pull away, even though the Citroën driver was gradually closing the gap. He even regained the lead with three stages remaining! Lacomy ultimately finished third overall, as David Rebotier had slotted in, setting some very impressive times throughout the weekend despite driving a less modern car than his rivals. Victory therefore went to Galeani, co-driven for the occasion by Mathieu Coppa, Hugo Margaillan's navigator, by just 1,5 seconds. Matteo Codaccioni and Marine Lacruz, fourth overall, won the 2-wheel drive category and Group F-RC4 (Peugeot 208). Jean-Jacques and Yann Ferrier, aboard their Renault Clio, prevailed in F-RC5, Lucas Brès – Julie Durand won in F-Rally Nat (Renault Clio) Williams). Richard Rebotier – Garry Brown, meanwhile, took home the F-RC6 (Peugeot 208 Racing) and Thomas Clausi – Benoît Manzo (Porsche 997 GT3) did the same in F-RGT.

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