Saunier – Vauclare in a class of their own!
Var, France, November 29th - In the absence of their main rivals this season – Nicolas Hernandez – Candice Melocco, winners of the Rallye du Rouergue in July – Julien Saunier and Frédéric Vauclare enjoyed a clear run to the finish, winning this first edition of the Alpine Elf Rally Trophy at the Rallye du Var.
However, the crew supported by the Villefranche sur Saône Alpine centre won it with considerable panache, despite the very tricky and changeable grip conditions. Not only were they head and shoulders clear of the other competitors in the Trophy in their Signatech-developed Alpine A110 Rally, winning all sixteen stages, but they also provided fans with a thrilling battle with Cédric Robert and François Delecour (both competing outside of the Alpine Elf Rally Trophy), two of French rallying’s most famous protagonists. Although beaten by Cédric Robert, who grabbed fourth place overall, largely thanks to an astute tyre strategy, Julien Saunier and Frédéric Vauclare managed to get the better of François Delecour, after pushing to the limit in their orange and blue Alpine throughout the rally. This result meant they secured first place in the Trophy’s overall standings in style, and their sixth place overall at this demanding Rallye du Var was just rewards for a superb season during which they have kept improving. Michel Bonfils and Jean-Luc Roché claimed the other two podium places in the Alpine Elf Rally Trophy.
