Pierre Ragues will get his rally season underway later today as he contests this weekend’s 45th running the Rallye de la Côte Fleurie.

 

This season, Pierre will be joined by a new co-driver, Tibo Gorczyca, as he takes part in at least four rallies with the Racing Service team. This weekend’s rally, taking in nine stages between Trouville and Deauville, will be the duo’s first event of 2015.

 

The rally forms part of the Coupe de France des Rallyes and will bring back happy memories for Ragues after he claimed a podium result last season. Ragues and Gorzyca will drive a Michelin-equipped Citroën DS3 R5 in Friday’s two stages, totalling 14.4km, and a further seven stages on Saturday. The second day of the event will be run over 108km so will be a solid first test of the new rally season for the French pairing. 

 

Ragues said: “I am delighted to have Tibo as my co-driver; he brings a wide range of experience and I think we will be a good pairing. I am looking forward to the challenge of Rallye de le Côte Fleurie this weekend. It is a great little event, part of the Couple de France des Rallye, and an event which has positive memories for me. It was my first ever competitive rally event last season and I picked up a podium. I hope, with the backing of my partners Group Auto, Sparco and simulation experts Ellip 6, that we can repeat that achievement this weekend. I can’t wait to get started in our Citroën DS3 R5!"