Bryan Bouffier says his podium finish on SATA Rallye Açores last weekend was the perfect way to start Intercontinental Rally Challenge season six.
The French ace, an event winner in the IRC in 2011, took third overall on the testing gravel rally in the mid-Atlantic driving a Peugeot 207 Super 2000.
“To be on the podium on the opening round is very good and thanks to Peugeot for a really good car for this race,” said Bouffier, who had been embroiled in a close fight for the final podium spot with fellow Peugeot driver Bruno Magalhães until the Portuguese crashed out on day two.
Despite finishing comfortably clear of his closest rival, the ŠKODA driver Sepp Wiegand, Bouffier admitted the rally had been tough.
“For sure it was really difficult with the wet conditions and I know I could improve my time on some stages,” said Bouffier. “But I have learned a lot and the positive point is that car worked really well.”