Ancian doubles the stakes at the Ain-Jura Rally

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of this event, like last year, we were able to witness a great battle between local driver Ludovic Gherardi, double winner, and Jérémy Ancian, winner last year. As part of championship 2^e Division, only two registered crews had made the trip. From the 1^re stage, Jordan Mottard abandoned and left Jean-Luc Roché alone who in the end consolidated his 2^e place in the championship behind Beaubelique, well on his way to the title.

At the 1^re stage, Gherardi took the two stage wins and came into the lead with a 6'' lead over Ancian. The next day, the rain came and, in these difficult weather conditions, Ancian was a hit by setting the six best times of the day. He won with more than 1′ ahead of Gherardi who may have regretted his poor choice of tires but consoled himself with the victory in Group A. To complete the final podium, Esparcieux took his place for the first time in ten years on one of the three steps, more than 8' from the winner. In Group N, after the retirement of Mollas (Mitsubishi Lancer EV 5) in SS 4 due to mechanical problems, Arnou was never worried, winning by more than 2'. In Group F2000, Corsin won with his Volvo by only 10” ahead of Chavin (106). In the GT Group, victory for Deplatiere with seven best times and despite a puncture which caused him to lose more than 5' during SS 5. F. Lombard

Ranking: 1. Ancian-Vitrani (Ford Fiesta R5) 1h21'43'' (1^er Gr. R), 2. Gherardi-Di Lullo (DS 3 WRC) at 1'11'' (1^er Gr. A), 3. Esparcieux-Duc (DS3 R5) at 8'28'', 4. Capelo Nobre-Berard (Renault Clio R3) at 9'08'', 5. Cassin-Muret (Ford Fiesta R5) at 10'42'', 6. Merle-Trably (Subaru Impreza) at 10'57'', 7. Nicolas-Nicolas (Clio R3) at 11'15'', 8. Arnou-Roche (Impreza) at 11'42'' (1^er Gr. N), 9. Roche-Brocourt (Skoda Fabia R5) at 11'48'', 10. Groscarret-Sasso (Clio R3) at 12'11'', … 18. Corsin-Menestrier (Volvo C30) at 15 '05'' (1^er Gr. F2000), … 29. Deplatière-Deplatière (Porsche 996 GT3) at 19'08'' (1^er GT), etc.