Rhône-Charbonnières Rally – Bonato takes advantage

Yoann Bonato achieved a big first stage on the Rhône-Charbonnières. He has a good lead over his main pursuers after Léo Rossel went off the road on SS 6.

Published on 19/04/2024 à 20:14

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Rhône-Charbonnières Rally – Bonato takes advantage

The highlight was the minor accident of Léo Rossel (C3 Rally2-PH Sport by Minerva Oil). The only driver able to keep Bonato under pressure went off the road in the last special of this first day.

Author of the three best times this afternoon, Yoann Bonato took advantage, despite himself, of Léo Rossel's crash to return to Charbonnières-les-Bains with 39,7 seconds ahead of his opponents. The C3 driver Rally can calmly approach the second and final stage of the “Charbo” tomorrow from 11:13 a.m.

A contested podium

Increasingly comfortable, Anthony Fotia (C3 Rally2-PH Sport by Minerva Oil) is in provisional second place. The winner of the 2023 Stellantis Motorsport Rally is under pressure from Hyundai.
Hugo Margaillan (i20 N Rally2-CHL Sport Auto) and Eric Camilli (i20 N Rally2-Team Bonneton HDG-2C Compétition), second in SS 6, are well placed less than two seconds behind Fotia.

Hugo Margaillan – Photo Grégory Lenormand / DPPI

Alone in the world

After the exits of Quentin Gilbert (A110 Rally) and Cédric Robert (A110 Rally-Team Bonneton HDG-2C Compétition), Raphaël Astier (A110 Rally-CHL Sport Auto) dominates the 2-wheel drive ranking. Astier is more than 1,35 minutes ahead of Pierre Roché (A110 Rally-Team FJ), the Trophy leader Alpine Elf Rally.

Pierre Roché – Photo Grégory Lenormand / DPPI

Strong leaders

As for the Michelin Trophies, Eric Camilli ended the day more than a minute ahead of Réhane Gany (Fiesta Rally2-Sarrazin Motorsport-Iron Lynx).

In the Premium ranking, Raphaël Astier is ahead of former track rider Côme Ledogar (Porsche 991 GT3 Cup) by more than two minutes.

Jacob Madsen-Leutenberger – Photo Grégory Lenormand / DPPI

In the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup, Dane Jacob Madsen-Leutenberger (208 Rally4) is making headlines. He is 25,2 seconds ahead of a trio made up of Lucas Darmezin (208 Rally4), Pablo Sarrazin (208 Rally4) and Julien Casale (208 Rally4).