Vienne, Baldomérien, Avallon: Three events counting towards the French Rally Cup this weekend

The rally season in France is well and truly back in full swing, with a packed schedule every weekend. This weekend, several events are being held, allowing drivers to score points towards qualifying for the French Cup Final, which will take place this year from October 15th to 17th in Remiremont (Vosges). Let's take a look at some of the events on the weekend's program…

Vienne Rally: Chatillon, the overwhelming favorite, competing at home

On his home turf, while competing in WRC2 this year, Matteo Chatillon, co-driven as usual by Maxence Cornuau, will start in his own backyard with the #1 on the doors of his Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. Of course, he won't have it easy even before the start, as Philippe Rageau (Fabia Rally2 Evo), Frédéric Meurant (Fabia R5), Romuald Lézeau (Citroën C3 Rally2), and Philippe Robert (Volkswagen Polo R5 GTi), not to mention the driver of the Porsche 997 GT3 Cup Jimmy Thibaudeau or Philippe Taffonneau, on a Alpine The A110 GT+ will also be in the mix. It should be noted that despite its status as rally national, comprising 108,40 kilometers of timed sectors, the event will take place on the single day of Saturday, March 07th.

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Baldomérien Rally: Legends gather

The lineup for the Rallye Baldomérien, held in Saint-Galmier in the Loire region, is sure to excite even the most dedicated rally enthusiasts. For starters, David Salanon, a former competitor in the French Rally Championship and multiple winner of the French Cup Final, will be starting with number 1 on his doors. Salanon, co-driven by the experienced Jérôme Degout, is entered with a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2: this will be the first appearance of the driver from the Loire region in this car. Right behind him on the entry list are Cédric Robert and Daniel Gatteaux in their BMW M3 E30. If the former driver Peugeot Sport Having ended his top-level career, he continues to drive this season for enjoyment. However, keep an eye on Thibaud Cellier, the former Rallye Jeunes winner driving a Citroën C3 Rally2. A total of nine cars are entered in Rally2.

Rallye du Pays Avallonnais: Godard to triple his winnings?

Two rallies contested, two victories: Ludovic Godard's record this 2026 season is currently dazzling, especially considering he won both rallies with two different cars. This is perfect timing, as this weekend in Avallon, Yonne, he'll be debuting another car, his new Porsche Cup. It's difficult to say if he'll be able to contend for the win, especially given the fierce competition from Denis Millet (Volkswagen Polo R5 GTi), Quentin Gilbert (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 Evo), and Ghislain Barbier in a Porsche. A very high-quality field just a few months before the 2026 Final in Remiremont, where many drivers from the Grand Est region will be eager to compete. The rally, 39,99 kilometers long to maintain its regional naming convention, will be run on Saturday only.

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