For his second ever experience at World Championship level, Pierre Campana has started Rallye de France-Alsace with a cautious approach on a difficult course to learn, before increasing his rhythm during the afternoon.
At the wheel of the MINI John Cooper Works WRC that performed impeccably throughout the entire day, the FFSA Rally Team France driver finished in 14th place, right between the Ford Fiesta RS WRC cars of Ken Block and Matthew Wilson, two veterans of the WRC.
Morning
Deliberately adopting a moderate rhythm in order to learn the course and its difficulties, the MINI driver nevertheless raised his tone, setting a very good 13th best time overall in the Pays d’Ormant (SS3, 36.03km), the longest stage of the rally. The absence of the poles to indicate the apexes, that were increasingly missing after the lead contenders had passed through, forced the young Corsican to hesitate at times. The Drive-Pro team did not experience any problems with the MINI,
Performance SS1-SS4 : 21st / 18th / 13th/ 15th
General Classification Progression during SS1-SS4: 21st / 18th / 15th / 14th
Afternoon
Less bothered by the lighting of the road than during the first loop, but not fully comfortable, Pierre significantly improved his performance. Again, it was in the Pays d’Ormont stage that he set his fastest overall time, on this occasion in 12th place. His 14th place overall signified a promising second day.
Performance SS5-SS8: 15th / 13th / 12th / 19th
General Classification Progression during SS5-SS8 : 16th / 15th / 14th / 14th
Without having realised his full potential, Pierre Campana returned to Strasbourg with a highly satisfactory 14th place overall and can genuinely target the top ten tomorrow at this point tomorrow. WIthout any issues, the MINI of Team Drive-Pro ran like clockwork. As for Pierre, confident and more motivated than ever, his rally is properly underway.
Pierre Campana, FFSA Rally Team France Driver 2011, said: "It was very important to complete this first day. Overall, the disparity of the road profile with inconsistency with parameter poles made me a bit unsettled today, largely because of my lack of understanding of the course. Nevertheless, I greatly improved my performance this afternoon, although still not enough because I am still too conservative in certain parts, particularly on the gravel parts. We will calmly review today with the team and consider a plan of attack for tomorrow. I have no concerns and I feel increasingly at ease on this rally and look forward to freeing myself and performing to my highest ability tomorrow."