No sooner had he passed his driving test, Florian Bernardi began racing on rally stages. Initially competing in regional rallies, he made a strong impression when he finished as runner-up in his class at the Rallye National de la Sainte-Baume in 2010.
His career then moved in a different direction. Taking advantage of the affordability of the one-make cups organised by Renault Sport, the Vaucluse driver entered the Twingo R1 Trophy. After finishing fourth in his debut season in 2011 with three podiums, he gained a place the following year and claimed his first win at the Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine.
Securing wins at Rouergue at Mont-Blanc in 2013, Florian Bernardi finished as runner-up in the French Junior Rally Championship before switching to the Opel Adam Cup, where he also finished second in 2014 and 2015.
After a limited programme in 2016, Florian Bernardi then hooked up with Renault Sport Racing again in the Clio R3T Trophy France. He pushed the experienced Cédric Robert throughout the year, but ultimately fell short, although he did win the Junior class.
Florian Bernardi returned in 2018, this time with his sights firmly set on the title. Regarded by many observers as the hot favourite, he lived up to his billing as he won the opening round at Le Touquet ! Challenged by Boris Carminati, he won the Rallye Lyon-Charbonnières and then scored heavily at the Rallye du Rouergue, but it was his performance at Mont-Blanc – whilst his rival went off – that enabled him to wrap up the title with two rounds of the season still to go. Having missed the Rallye Cœur de France, he was determined to celebrate his first title with a maiden victory at the Rally du Var !
After also competing in two rounds of the FIA ERC, Florian Bernardi is now considering the various options available to him for 2019, but one thing is for sure – as always, regardless of the series he tackles, you can expect him to be among the front-runners !