Pierre Ragues has claimed a stunning victory in today’s Rallye de Pont l’Evêque, part of the Coupe de France, his first ever outright win in a rally event. 

 

The French ace, who has been combining a regular endurance programme with occasional rally competitions this season, stormed to an emphatic win, taking five out of six stage wins. 

 

Piloting a Skoda Fabia R5, Pierre won the overall rally by over 40 seconds under dry and sunny skies but in typically cold winter temperatures. Participating with the Racing Service team and with Julien Pesenti as co-driver, it was an impressive performance for Ragues, which concludes a successful and competitive season. 

 

Pierre said: “I’m delighted with this performance today and overjoyed to take my first ever outright rally win. Since I’ve taken up rallying, alongside my endurance commitments, I have had a great deal of fun. I’ve been fortunate to take podiums before, but it’s a special feeling to be the overall winner. I found it a great event, with all six stages requiring commitment and dedication to get the best out of myself and the Skoda Fabia R5. Thanks also to Julien for his expert co-driving skills. It’s the perfect way to end a busy but thoroughly enjoyable season of rallying and racing. I can now head into the Christmas and New Year in a positive frame of mind, determined to build an equally competitive campaign for 2017. Thanks to my sponsors GroupAuto, Top Garage, Ellip6, Sparco and for the support of Yacco and Racing Service this weekend. What a way to finish 2016!”