Sardinia – Benjamin Boulloud: “We are better prepared than for Monte-Carlo 2022”

Given the tight timing, Benjamin Boulloud was probably not surprised to be asked to accompany the current WRC2 driver in Italy when Arnaud Dunand chose to stop his involvement. After having chained the rally of the Canaries and that of Antibes, the 40-year-old sailor probably yearned for a little rest, but what could he say?

The two men know each other well. They were opponents in France before competing in Monte-Carlo 2022 together. During the 2023 and 2024 editions of the Monaco round, “Benj” and “Bonat” were even the openers for Rossel. For Sardinia, Boulloud therefore had the advantage of already knowing the Gardois system of notes. This was a considerable asset considering the lack of landmarks on the island. “ My one and only participation dates back to 2009, he says. It’s been 15 years…time flies! I was able to discuss at length with Arnaud Dunand who gave me the elements, including the notes. I copied them all. We met for two days with Yohan to watch the ES videos. This exercise combined with the experiences that we already have in common and the event that we competed in at Aléria in Corsica allow me to be a little less in the unknown regarding our mode of operation. This preparation is in any case better than the one we had for Monte-Carlo 2022 where we were not able to do a test because Yohan had covid. We set off at night, into Lantosque-Loda without really knowing where we were going. There was much more apprehension. »

If the understanding in the passenger compartment does not seem to worry him too much, Boulloud is also looking ahead to what awaits him during the weekend. “ It's not a huge race, he says. There are only 260 km of time and the longest are 25. We will probably have to manage the heat. I couldn't really use my experience from 2009, because I don't remember much. With our Suzuki Swift S1600, I found it super slippery. I don't even remember what result we got (19^e and 4^e of the JWRC, Editor’s note), but it hadn't been easy. »

The programs that Boulloud runs with Yoann Bonato usually include few rounds on gravel, but this does not overly move the Alpe d'Huez co-driver. The latter also seems calm in the face of the challenges. “ I know the challenge is important, he admits. There is pressure, but it is present in everything we do so it does not fundamentally change my approach. I'm fully focused on work and we'll take stock at the end of the weekend. »

It is impossible to say whether Benjamin Boulloud will still occupy Yohan Rossel's right-hand seat later in the season. Everything will depend on whether the pilot quickly finds a new browser. Otherwise and if his schedule allows it, there is no doubt that Boulloud will come and lend a hand again. In the meantime, 266,12 timed km and 16 SS make up the Citroën crew's program from Friday.

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