Bryan Bouffier (Peugeot 207 S2000) clinched victory in the Monte Carlo rally, first round of the 2011 IRC championship.
The reigning French rally champion won the Monte Carlo rally after three days of racing, including two special stages ran by night, ahead of Freddy Loix’s Skoda Fabia, and the other Peugeot 207 S2000) driven by Le Mans Series driver Stéphane Sarrazin.
Bouffier tooked the lead on the second day after initial eader Juho Hanninen (Skoda Fabia) lost time as a result of a wrong tires choice on a snowy surface. Bouffier himself had two spins on Thursday, but was able to recover without losing the lead.
Petter Solberg (Peugeot 207 S2000) was forced to retire on the last road section to the finish line in Monaco, right after the last super special stage. He was the victim of an alternator break down while in 7th place.
After a brilliant performance during the second day, that he ended in second place, the veteran Francois Delecour could retain its position at the third day. Winner of the Rallye Monte Carlo WRC in 2001, the French dropped down to 5th place, and complained about engine problems. He was preceded by Guy Wilks, new Peugeot Great Britain driver.
Monte Carlo Rally – Final classification:
1. Bryan Bouffier (Peugeot) in 3h32m55.6s
2. Freddy Loix (Skoda) + 32.5s
3. Stephane Sarrazin (Peugeot) + 51.9s
4. Guy Wilks (Peugeot) + 1m19.7s
5. Francois Delecour (Peugeot) + 1m22.4s
6. Juho Hanninen (Skoda) + 1m29.3s
7. Petter Solberg (Peugeot) + 3m45.9s
8. Nicolas Vouilloz (Skoda) + 4m47.8s
9. Jan Kopecky (Skoda) + 7m45.9s
10. Giandomenico Basso (Peugeot) + 8m46.0s
Etc.
The reigning French rally champion won the Monte Carlo rally after three days of racing, including two special stages ran by night, ahead of Freddy Loix’s Skoda Fabia, and the other Peugeot 207 S2000) driven by Le Mans Series driver Stéphane Sarrazin.
Bouffier tooked the lead on the second day after initial eader Juho Hanninen (Skoda Fabia) lost time as a result of a wrong tires choice on a snowy surface. Bouffier himself had two spins on Thursday, but was able to recover without losing the lead.
Petter Solberg (Peugeot 207 S2000) was forced to retire on the last road section to the finish line in Monaco, right after the last super special stage. He was the victim of an alternator break down while in 7th place.
After a brilliant performance during the second day, that he ended in second place, the veteran Francois Delecour could retain its position at the third day. Winner of the Rallye Monte Carlo WRC in 2001, the French dropped down to 5th place, and complained about engine problems. He was preceded by Guy Wilks, new Peugeot Great Britain driver.
Monte Carlo Rally – Final classification:
1. Bryan Bouffier (Peugeot) in 3h32m55.6s
2. Freddy Loix (Skoda) + 32.5s
3. Stephane Sarrazin (Peugeot) + 51.9s
4. Guy Wilks (Peugeot) + 1m19.7s
5. Francois Delecour (Peugeot) + 1m22.4s
6. Juho Hanninen (Skoda) + 1m29.3s
7. Petter Solberg (Peugeot) + 3m45.9s
8. Nicolas Vouilloz (Skoda) + 4m47.8s
9. Jan Kopecky (Skoda) + 7m45.9s
10. Giandomenico Basso (Peugeot) + 8m46.0s
Etc.