Competing alongside his co-driver Julien Pesenti, Pierre will tackle the 15-stage rally on the back of a highly competitive and successful season in which he has demonstrated his pace on some rallying’s most demanding tarmac roads.

Pierre last drove the Polo R5 during Rallye National Suisse Normande in June, in which he claimed a podium finish against a high-quality field. He will be back in action uplifted by his recent results, and hopeful of another strong performance.

Pierre said: “It will be a pleasure to get back in the Polo R5 at La Rochelle, a long and demanding rally run over 141km of special stages. I am still buzzing from the R-GT championship title, and hope that Julien and I can put on another positive performance, especially for Julien at his home event. We don’t have any pressure on ourselves, so will focus on enjoying ourselves and finding a good rhythm in the car. Thanks to my partners Yacco, First, Sparco, Groupe Polmar and Racing Services for all their support.”

Itinerary

Friday 5 November

SS1 - Vouhé 1 - 7.02 km

SS2 - Bouhet 1 - 8.16 km

SS3 - Aigrefeuille 1 (short) - 8.20 km

SS4 - Sainte-Soulle - 11.47 km

Saturday 6 November

SS5 - Genouillé 1 - 11.95 km

SS6 - Vouhé 2 - 7.02 km

SS7 - Bouhet 2 - 8.16 km

SS8 - Aigrefeuille 2 - 12.25 km

SS9 - Genouillé 2 - 11.95 km

SS10 - Vouhé 3 - 7.02 km

SS11 - Bouhet 3 - 8.16 km

SS12 - Aigrefeuille 3 - 12.25 km

SS13 - Vouhé 4 - 7.02 km

SS14 - Bouhet 4 - 8.16 km

SS15 - Aigrefeuille 4 - 12.25 km