Since the start of the season the battle in the French and Italian zones in the Clio R3T European Trophy has been a hotly-contested one. After the Rally Targa Florio, in which Luca Rosetti scored victory and took the lead in the overall classification, the Rally del Castentino (17-18 July was the fourth round of the Clio R3T Trophy in Italy. The former European Champion arrived in the lead and very quickly hit the front taking first place in the 2-wheel drive category. He was slowed by spectators who were throwing things and lost his lead in the 2-wheel drive category, but still managed to win in the Clio R3T Trophy from Ivan Ferrarotti, Aleks Humar and Giacomo Scattolon, and also to increase his score to 120 points in the general classification. Behind him come Ivan Ferrarotti (104), Fabrizio Andolfi (69), Giacomo Scattolon (42) and Aleks Humar (15).

After his win in the Rallye National de Bretagne, Benoît Vaillant was determined to consolidate his position in the Rallye Montagne Noire. As his main rival, Jean-Sébastien Vigion, wasn’t present he had a great opportunity to open up a gap in the French zone of the Clio R3T European Trophy. He took the lead on Friday evening and pulled away from his rivals. Although Marvin Sorin set good times on Saturday Vaillant kept a cool head and bagged the 25 points that went with victory plus the five points for the best performer. He won from Sorin, Nicolas Rouillard and Didier Héron. William Pitot had to retire soon after the start because of mechanical problems. In the overall classification Vaillant has opened up a big gap (108 points) over Jean-Sébastien Vigion (69), Marvin Sorin (55), William Pitot (15), Nicolas Rouillard (15), Philippe Rageau (12) and Didier Héron (12).

Next events in the Clio R3T European Trophy :
22-23 August : Rallye Ferrol (Spain)
28-30 August : Rally Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy)
4-6 September : Rallye du Mont-Blanc Morzine (ALPS / France)

More information about the Clio R3T European Trophy on Renautsport.com.